Daniel Ricciardo, an Australian Formula 1 driver, is determined to focus on the short-term goals with RB this season rather than thinking about any long-term plans for a race seat elsewhere. Last year, Ricciardo faced a challenging period after leaving McLaren, but he was given the opportunity to continue his F1 career with the Faenza-based team in the middle of the 2023 season, replacing Nyck De Vries. Unfortunately, his comeback was hindered by a broken hand sustained during practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, causing him to miss five races. However, Ricciardo is now eager to start the new season with RB and provide valuable feedback to the team in each session.
Ricciardo acknowledges that this is a new chapter for him and he is relishing the opportunity to be back in the sport. He is not getting caught up in speculation about the future and is instead focusing on being present in the moment. While he recognizes that it is a short-term approach, he understands that it is part of a process. His mindset is centered on the immediate task at hand, which is to test the car and provide the team with as much feedback as possible. Ricciardo believes that his input and experience from last year were highly valued by the team, and he aims to continue that positive contribution.
From an outsider’s perspective, it appears that Ricciardo’s position within the RB team is a trial run to assess whether he has what it takes to be Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull Racing. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s current teammate, had a challenging season in 2023, and his contract with the team expires in 2024. Prior to his return to the grid last year, Ricciardo had the opportunity to test the Red Bull RB19 at Silverstone. It was reported that he set a lap time that would have placed him on the front row of the British Grand Prix, fueling speculation that he may be considered as a replacement for Perez. Ricciardo himself has expressed his desire to end his F1 career in Milton Keynes, and he was asked to share his thoughts on the matter during testing.
However, Ricciardo made it clear that his focus is solely on the current season, and he is not thinking about his future at the moment. He believes that the key to returning to the front of the grid is to push the car to its limits and deliver strong performances, similar to his race in Mexico. He aims to establish himself once again in the sport and prove his capabilities consistently throughout the season. Ricciardo understands that there are many races ahead of him to achieve this goal and is determined to prove himself not only to himself but also to those around him.