Horner: I hope Ricciardo gets another chance

Daniel Ricciardo does not yet have a contract for next year and is already saying he is ready to skip the season and try to return to Formula 1 in 2024.

At the same time, Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull Racing team, for which the Australian played from 2014 to 2018, expressed his support as he believes Ricciardo deserves a place in the championship.

Before joining McLaren, Daniel spent two seasons with the works Renault team, now renamed Alpine F1, and there is still a vacancy as Fernando Alonso decided to move to Aston Martin in 2023. When asked if he would invite Ricciardo back if he was in Alpine’s position, Horner made it clear that he would have made that decision.

“To be fair, of course in this team they know the Daniel he was two seasons ago, and in 2020 he was a very focused and determined rider and climbed onto the podium,” replied Horner, who took part in the Beyond the Grid race. podcast . “I think he’s the kind of guy who can be helped to get back into shape.

It is clear that his partnership with McLaren has not gone the best way for one reason or another. But now I remember some of the races he spent speaking for our team because when he won victories and climbed onto the podium, I remember he was able to overtake great then. I’m sure he still knows how to do this but he just needs to do something like a reboot.

As in all other sports, confidence plays a very important role in Formula 1. For some reason Daniel couldn’t get the feeling he wanted in a McLaren car when the F1 rules changed, and that probably affected his confidence . But at the same time he remains a very capable rider. It is simply impossible to forget how to fly to achieve high results.

That’s why I hope he gets another chance and can be back on the starting field next year. I think Daniel is a very bright personality and a great racer. It’s a shame he seems to have lost his way a bit, but it will be great if he manages to stay in the championship.”