Will Ricciardo take up on Red Bull's offer? 'We welcome him anytime'
F1 News
Christian Horner has welcomed Daniel Ricciardo back at Red Bull in the future in a non-driving role. The Australian was replaced by Liam Lawson after the Singapore Grand Prix at VCARB and is enjoying some time to relax before making his next move. Ricciardo will always be welcomed by Red Bull, says Horner, due to his connections with the Milton Keynes-based team. The 'Honey Badger' spent the majority of his career in a Red Bull car and would be welcomed back in open arms by Red Bull's team principal.
Daniel Ricciardo struggled in his final Formula 1 season. The Australian driver scored just 12 points over 18 rounds before he was let go for youngster Liam Lawson. The Red Bull Junior previously replaced Ricciardo in 2023 for a few races after he broke his wrist in a crash at the Dutch Grand Prix. The Kiwi impressed, scoring points at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. Coincidentally, next year's Singapore Grand Prix would be Ricciardo's last in Formula 1. The Australian won eight races and stood on the podium 32 times in his career. Seven of those wins came during his Red Bull stint between 2014-18. Due to Ricciardo's close ties and services to the team, he'd always be welcomed back, Horner says.
Horner: 'He'd be very welcome anytime'
Speaking in the paddock after the United States Grand Prix, Red Bull's team boss was asked if his team still has any plans to include their former star. "Daniel grew up with Red Bull. He's taking some time out at the moment, but he'd be very welcome anytime to be part of whatever role he's elected to want to get involved in. He has a massive profile, and you're a long-time retired. So if he chose to want to get involved in some activities in the US in any way, it's something we'd be very open to," Horner explained. Ricciardo has long expressed his love for the United States. Famously, the charismatic Australian once turned up to the Austin paddock whilst riding a horse, decked from head to toe in cowboy gear.
Is Ricciardo himself open to a role at Red Bull? "That's his decision that he will need to make," Horner concluded. Although the Australian is yet to iron out his future, his former team boss has made it clear he can always return to Red Bull in some shape or form.
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