F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo On How Red Bull Reserve Driver Role Is Best For Him
Daniel Ricciardo has revealed the teams he was in discussions with after announcing that he would be leaving McLaren at the end of the 2022 season. It was later confirmed that Ricciardo would be returning to Red Bull as a reserve driver.
During a recent episode of Formula 1’s Beyond The Grid podcast, Ricciardo shared that he had received interest from both Ferrari and Haas. However, as the 2022 season progressed and Ricciardo competed in a triple-header event, he began to realize that he wasn’t ready to compete in the 2023 season.
“It became more and more clear that it wasn’t about what phone call I was receiving; it was about me acknowledging that I just ultimately don’t want to be competing next year. So, in a way I am glad that, let’s say, a top team didn’t reach out, because it’s one of those ones where you probably feel, ‘Oh, I’ve got to sign it’, but I think deep down I was just craving a bit of distance.”
Ricciardo admitted to experiencing feelings of burnout, but emphasised that he knows himself well and knows what he needs in order to perform at his best.
“I’m not afraid to admit that or say that, and it’s one of those ones where, you know, everyone will have an opinion and this and that, but it’s ultimately that I know what I feel, I know what I want.
“It was some of that. And I feel very… I don’t want to say that I’m the only driver that feels this way, but I would say that I’m not the normal sportsman where I kind of just use ‘practice makes perfect’. The more I do sometimes, the more I’m just like getting kind of lost in it, where I kind of feel like the power of a break for me, some time off, I could come back better. I know for me that could actually be really good.”
Despite his decision to take a break from racing, Ricciardo remains a fan favourite due to his humorous personality and strong performances on the track. He has expressed hope to return to the sport for the 2024 season.
