Daniel Ricciardo explains why he signed with Red Bull Racing as a third driver for 2023. He stressed that the contract does not include a racing role.
Daniel Ricciardo will return to the Milton Keynes team in 2023, supporting Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez after McLaren decided to appoint Oscar Piastri and end his contract with the team a year early who will be in charge.
However, Daniel Ricciardo emphasized that the Red Bull contract is not a racing role. It is understood that Liam Lawson will continue as reserve driver.
“I would like to make it clear that I will not be on the grid again next year,” confirmed Daniel Ricciardo about his third driver contract.
“But it’s definitely a way to give you the time you need to step back and still be part of F1. And it hasn’t been a secret to me.”
“As the second half of the season went on, I needed to step back a bit, rebuild myself, reset myself a bit. I also needed to find a strong love for Formula 1. Without him at the level this, I couldn’t have done myself or my surroundings because I can’t show my own characteristics fully for people who
“I’m not saying I’ve lost it, but I’m afraid of losing it.”
“Of course, if you want to stay, racing is the best thing. That’s the surest way to go. But it became increasingly clear that we wouldn’t be able to do 24 races next year.”
“I don’t think it was the right thing for me. I think it exhausted me more than anything else. I had to slow down my season when I was feeling a bit tired.”
The life of an F1 driver is not easy. It looks attractive from the outside and has the trappings of fame and fortune, but it also involves considerable labour. International travel and marketing efforts are part of this role.
There will be sponsorship appearances, photo shoots, interviews, TV and radio appearances, all before the drivers consider their fitness. Maintaining fitness while flying around the country can be difficult and is often the first break.
Daniel Ricciardo describes the lifestyle as “privileged, but also demanding”.
“We’re very good at what we do, but we’re still human and we’re tired, tired, tired.”
“And at this level of sport, it’s dangerous. You can’t even operate on 99 percent. So I was really afraid if I did another year, I wouldn’t be able to do my best.”
“Of course there were discussions with the other teams. I was like, ‘OK, even if I’m not on the grid, I have to at least be connected with the best teams.'”
“It’s great to be in an environment where you can win. I think you can learn a lot,” added Daniel Ricciardo about his Red Bull deal.
“Even if they don’t have a seat, that could help them find another seat.”
“Also, being associated with the best teams feels a bit like it was[Nick]de Vries with Mercedes.
“So there are many things.”
That realization is why Daniel Ricciardo is looking for time to reset and rekindle his inner fire after a difficult period.
And that was not the only challenge Daniel Ricciardo faced at McLaren. When the world almost shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ricardo found himself more isolated than ever.
I missed my family and friends. Lacking the support network he had built around himself, that separation forced the importance of those things to the forefront of his mind.
This is why the role of third driver, which does not require extensive travel, is ideal for Daniel Ricciardo.
“Definitely,” agrees Daniel Ricciardo.
“Especially when you’re at the top of your sport, you want to feel amazing, unbeatable, really special.”
“But on some level, we’re all still human and we feel pain or sadness or whatever it is.”
“I’ve definitely had my highs and lows over the last few years, and I’ve felt that ever since, as COVID-19 has made me see friends and family less often.”
“It all added up to the point where I was like, ‘Okay, maybe it’s better to get some things back in my life.’ To have a little more time with my family, with my friends, and with myself.”
So striking a balance between Red Bull’s demands and Daniel Ricciardo’s was important when signing a third driver contract.
But it’s also a tightrope walk. Although connected enough to remain relevant, a gap year is not connected enough to have the desired effect.
“I don’t go to every race,” admitted Daniel Ricciardo.
“I still want that time to myself, but I still think I should go to some races, do some simulations, listen, and lend my experience and stuff. If I can help it, wonderful.”
“It would be nice to be able to do some sort of testing and keep the car fit.”
“So in a way it’s enough to be in a place where you can still keep yourself up to date. But if it gives you a break, this is taken away enough.”
“And I’m sure when you watch the races you’ll be jealous of me not being on the track and these will probably feed me in a good way.”
Category: F1 / Daniel Ricardo / red bull
