Horner on Ricciardo: 'He can jump in the car within ten minutes'

Ricciardo made the surprising switch from Red Bull to the then Renault at the end of 2018. He drove there for two years, earning two podiums for the French team. In 2021, he then switched to McLaren, and despite his victory at Monza, this move did not go as hoped. The eight-time Grand Prix winner could not get to grips with the McLaren, and was therefore replaced by his compatriot Oscar Piastri.

Horner happy with Ricciardo

Ricciardo did not have a seat for 2023 and returned to Red Bull as a reserve driver. But even in this role, Horner is happy with Ricciardo's enthusiasm and the useful work he is doing for the development of the Red Bull this season. "It's great to have him back in blue and be back in the team. This is the first Grand Prix he’s attending this year, and he's really throwing himself into it. Sitting in all the briefings, he's been working hard on the simulator as well in the UK doing some race support and some development work on that," Horner said at the press conference in Australia.

Ricciardo fit to race

Horner indicated at the press conference that Ricciardo will also take his own seat in the car for testing later this year. The team boss was also asked if the Australian is fit enough to race now. The answer to that appears to be yes, with Horner suggesting that he could even jump right into the RB19. "I'd say he’s about 10 minutes away from being ready. He's in good shape. He's kept himself fit and well."