Formula 1 was missing this grin. Again and again Daniel Ricciardo snaps it on and shows his wide row of teeth at the Hungaroring. The 34-year-old’s almost childlike anticipation of his unexpectedly quick comeback in the cockpit infects even the biggest curmudgeon in the Budapest paddock. “I’ve fallen in love with racing all over again,” says the Australian.
After a six-month break, Sebastian Vettel’s ex-teammate at Alpha Tauri takes over the place of the ousted Nyck De Vries. The hard-hitting decision of the Red Bull leadership to give the Dutchman a hard pass after just ten races has affected many of his fellow drivers.
Formula 1 celebrates the return of Ricciardo
“That’s how they work at Red Bull,” growls record world champion Lewis Hamilton from rival Mercedes. Ricciardo also insists that he feels for his predecessor at Alpha Tauri: “But he’s mature enough to understand how this sport works.” Former Formula E World Champion De Vries scored zero points.
Otherwise, the 28-year-old mostly remained pale. Ricciardo, on the other hand, was surrounded by around 60 journalists during his first media audience at the Hungaroring. Formula 1 is celebrating the return of the eight-time Grand Prix winner on all of its channels with new images and videos. “It all happened so quickly. I’m just happy about this opportunity,” says Ricciardo before the Grand Prix in Hungary on Sunday (3 p.m. / Sky and free of charge at skysport.de).
“Old Daniel is Back”
At the latest, his appearance at the tire test in Silverstone in the current Red Bull convinced those in charge of the lightning change. Ricciardo’s best lap time was reportedly enough for a front row seat at the previous British Grand Prix. “His eyes started to shine. A huge load fell off his shoulders. Old Daniel is back,” says Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
Last year it looked as if Ricciardo had maneuvered his career into a dead end. After his successful years at Red Bull, Renault and McLaren were usually pretty mediocre. The man nicknamed “honey badger” lost the joy of driving. “Sometimes you are your own worst enemy,” says Ricciardo.
Ricciardo wants to attack again
McLaren kicked him out at the end of preseason. Out of an old bond, Red Bull gave him the role of test and reserve driver. “It’s a lot of fun to be back in the Red Bull family. And it gave me the time I really needed,” says Ricciardo.
For him, decelerating with more free time also included a friend’s bachelor party in Las Vegas, as he reveals with a giggle. But now he wants to attack again. Under the old name Toro Rosso, Alpha Tauri was his stepping stone to a great career. Now Ricciardo wants to recommend himself there again for promotion to the Red Bull. “It’s the best way for me at the moment,” he says.
Ambitions on Perez’s cockpit
Ricciardo speculates on the place of Sergio Perez (33), who after a good start this season has no chance against Red Bull high-flyer Max Verstappen and, as second in the World Cup, is already 99 points behind. Perez’s contract expires at the end of 2024, but the Mexican should also take De Vries’ early dismissal as a warning.
Chief pilot Verstappen’s sympathies are assured of his former stable colleague Ricciardo. “It’s nice that Daniel is back in the family. I never wanted him to leave,” says the world championship leader. It is quite possible that this circle will soon close for Daniel Ricciardo.
Team info on Daniel Ricciardo Statements by Ricciardo on the comeback
