Ricciardo wants 2024 F1 return – but where could he land?

Daniel Ricciardo’s full-time presence on the Formula 1 grid will be absent in 2023, as the Australian has taken on a third driver role with the Red Bull team.

Two years of disheartening performances with McLaren has left his F1 future in limbo. Ricciardo has not departed the field in a strong note, and his previous two years in the sport will be remembered when it comes to sorting out 2024 driver line-ups.

Ricciardo was once a lightning force in F1, someone who could be relied on to successfully complete daring overtakes in such a way that his rivals almost knew what was coming before he even pulled out in the braking zone.

But over the last handful of years, that form slipped away. The poise that he once boasted was not present. He was unable to drive his cars to the limit and couldn’t deliver when required.

Those who remember Ricciardo’s prime days will know him as an unyielding and imposing competitor. It’s that memory that must be restored in the global F1 outlook if he wishes to finalise his goal.

However, reinstating that reputation will be difficult from the sidelines and there is already a major question mark over just where Ricciardo could fit on the 2024 grid.

Having set up his background shop at Red Bull, there is no way into a full-time seat at the Milton Keynes-based squad unless the team opts to part ways early with Sergio Perez, who is currently tied down until the end of 2024. Such a scenario would likely only arise due to performance matters or poor relations with team-mate Max Verstappen, which appeared to surface at the final rounds of the 2022 season.

Ferrari too has both of its drivers secured until the conclusion of the 2024 campaign – although he was once heavily linked to the Maranello squad due to his Italian background, it’s unlikely that there’ll be any room for him going forward.

Lewis Hamilton’s contract expires at the end of 2023, but the seven-time World Champion has asserted on multiple occasions that he is keen to extend his current deal and stay even longer at Mercedes. The 37-year-old insists that the team’s slump in form has only boosted his will to remain in F1.

It leaves the current top three as highly unlikely options for Ricciardo. McLaren too will not accept him back, for obvious reasons, while Alpine has its drivers in place for the 2024 season, barring some awry circumstances that could form between Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.

What makes a potential comeback even less likely is the fact that any opportunity will most certainly be further down the grid. Although Ricciardo evidently wants a break from the hustle and pressure, his season-ending form (which was consistent with his entire McLaren stint) leaves his final F1 memories in tatters and his stock low. F1 comebacks in recent years are not uncommon, but Ricciardo’s pace and struggles will likely deny him the chance to be called on if a driver can’t take part in ar ace. In comparison, Nico Hulkenberg’s super sub appearances for Racing Point/Aston Martin were a key factor in his call-up to a 2023 seat from Haas.

Steiner admits that he had early conversations with Ricciardo over a seat at the team for 2023, so there’s no reason to believe that they won’t explore him again for 2024. Experience is key for a Haas F1 entry at the moment, but if Hulkenberg and Magnussen gel well together, then it’s unlikely that they will be split beyond 2023.

Alfa Romeo has extended Zhou Guanyu for an extra season following a respectable rookie campaign. There’s no telling where the short-term future of the team is headed, as the Italian company will end its association with Sauber at the end of next year ahead of Audi’s 2026 entry.

Aston Martin has Alonso tied to a multi-year deal, with the Spaniard showing no sign of decline despite his rising age. Lance Stroll is also an unlikely mover as long as his father retains ownership of the team.

AlphaTauri, despite its Red Bull ties, will not be a place for a 34-year-old driver, while Williams will likely continue to nurture its young talent in Logan Sargeant, while its other seat is occupied by Alexander Albon, who is going from strength to strength.

It’s unfortunate for Ricciardo, but it appears that F1 in its current state isn’t filled to the brim with a comeback option, making his chances for a 2024 return unlikely. It’s a sad scenario and would be a disappointing end to a notable F1 career.

But F1 often throws up surprises – so while it currently looks bleak for him, it can’t be scribed for certain that Ricciardo has endured his final F1 grand prix.