Daniel Ricciardo may not have a seat for the current Formula 1 season, but he is still involved in sport and remains a charismatic driver in 2023.
The Australian has rejoined his previous team Red Bull, taking on the role of their third driver.
The Sporting News examines Ricciardo’s new position more closely.
MORE: What is the current occupation of Daniel Ricciardo’s previous coach?
Ricciardo is occupying the position of Red Bull’s third driver for the 2023 F1 campaign.
His occupation offers flexibility, with primary duties encompassing testing, simulator tasks, and business operations.
In specific circumstances, in the event that the primary drivers – Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez – are not accessible, it is common for him to assume the role of the public representative for the Red Bull F1 team.
Ricciardo competed for Red Bull from 2014 to 2018, achieving seven victories throughout that timeframe.
When considering his cheerful demeanor, extensive racing background, and past affiliation with the team, he is undoubtedly the ideal candidate for the role.
Daniel Ricciardo outlines what’s in store for him this season at Red Bull 👇 pic.twitter.com/JlH24iGeN4
The new job of the Australian, however, should not be mistaken for the reserve driver position.
During a specific race weekend, Liam Lawson is prepared to substitute if either Verstappen or Perez are incapable of dressing up, occupying that role this year with the youthful Kiwi.
Did Daniel Ricciardo attend the Australian Grand Prix?
Ricciardo is a well-liked personality wherever he goes, but nowhere more than at Albert Park Circuit.
The Australian driver, born in Perth, has built up a large following thanks to his on-track skills and personality over nearly a decade on the F1 grid.
Although he did not participate in the Melbourne race this year, Ricciardo was still highly noticeable at his home Grand Prix.
What happened to Daniel Ricciardo? Why the Australian was dropped by McLaren
In 2022, Ricciardo achieved an exceptional triumph at the Italian Grand Prix, his sole podium placement, subsequent to joining McLaren in 2021 on a three-year agreement.
His initial year in papaya was somewhat disappointing, concluding in eighth place in the rankings with a total of 115 points.
Nonetheless, it was during his second season that McLaren made an attempt to replace the Australian driver, resulting in an 11th place finish with a unsatisfactory total of 37 points.
Ricciardo left the team at the conclusion of the year, as McLaren and the Australian came to a mutual decision to terminate the agreement prematurely during the 2022 season.
Ricciardo clarified to the In the Fast Lane podcast that he became trapped in a cycle of perplexity, pessimism, and excessive analysis when questioned about his ability to identify the reasons behind his difficulties.
“It’s something that I’ve definitely considered,” he stated.
I don’t want to say it’s a mystery, but it’s a little bit of a kind of continuous struggles I had at least at a foreign place. But I’m sure I’ll still think about it over time because I feel like the season has already ended slowly, letting it go.
I would ponder, similar to falling behind by a second per lap, and the extent to which it occurred occasionally, but considering the magnitude I experienced, we all encounter disappointing races.
I was behind step one. It felt more natural anymore. I was very consciously driving that it occurred to me. I think it already happened last year, during the summer break.
“That was the instance when I thought, ‘I believe we are attempting to undertake an excessive amount.'”
Who has replaced Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren?
Oscar Piastri, another Australian, has taken over Ricciardo’s position at McLaren.
The 21-year-old was Alpine’s F1 reserve driver in 2022 but is waring papaya this season following a controversial and complicated contract saga.
The Melbourne-born driver will replicate his strong performances in F3 and F2 championships from the consecutive years of 2021 and 2020, as seen in the rear-view mirror with the seemingly dramatic situation now.
Importantly, he is being managed by his compatriot and ex-Formula One driver Mark Webber.
Piastri is teaming up with Lando Norris, who is competing in his fifth season for McLaren despite being only 23 years old.
Will Daniel Ricciardo race in F1 next year? Potential teams for Australian driver
Currently, Ricciardo does not possess a position on the grid for the upcoming year.
If he decides to look for a permanent position in 2024, there are several possible choices.
If either team desires to sign Zhou Guanyu and Yuki Tsunoda for Alfa Romeo and Alpha Tauri respectively, an adept driver like Ricciardo could be a suitable candidate, considering that their contracts will conclude at the conclusion of the ongoing season.
Additionally, if Logan Sargeant fails to make a good impression in his initial year, there might be an opportunity at Williams.
At the end of this season, it appears unlikely that Ricciardo will move to Arrows Silver, but both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton will also reach the end of their respective contracts with Mercedes.