Least hours for a Formula 1 star

He won eight Formula 1 races, including the Monaco GP, And he will go down in history as one of those heroes without a crown, Two great drivers in perfect condition who didn’t win the World Cup (2014) because they faced the superiority of another car (Mercedes). Daniel Ricciardo (Perth, 33) continues to be charismatic because of his overtaking, his constant joy and the unexpected victory he secured for McLaren at Monza 2021. But the distance that had separated him from Norris in the past two seasons quickly turned from insurmountable to inexcusable and the Australian had to contend with one of the most uncomfortable situations he could be in a summer, Woking ended his last year of contract signing inexperienced youngster, Oscar Piastri. His winning salary (about 15 million euros) turned against him. March 12 in the World Cup with 35 points against 113 Lando, 7.

Currently, Ricciardo is looking for a star backup role in 2023, In one of the great teams, with kilometers of circuits compatible with twelve months of sports detoxification. But by 2024, he confirmed to AS, he’s confident of returning to the grid: “Yes, I am interested. It’s funny, because people will say if I want to come back in 2024, why not in 2023. But I know how I would feel after missing out for a while watching the races on TV, or from somewhere in the world. the ring. Hunger will return. I’m still hungry, but I want to be full of desire. I know what time it generates for me without running. But there are no guarantees, I cannot sign a contract today that guarantees me competition in 2024. I will do everything in my power to prove that I still have the desire.”

“I am aware of the risks.”

There is danger either way. If I want to get back on the grid in 2024, the risk is also to get into the car next year, and if my season isn’t satisfactory I’ll probably quit the sport forever. This risk appears to be greater than going out for a year. I am aware of that (that there may be no place in 2024) I am at peace with myself if that is the case. I don’t want this to be my last race in Formula 1, but if it is, I accept it. What I do will prepare me to be the best version of myself if given the chance. If that happens, I don’t want to be Daniel 95%. I want to bear the cost.” He confessed.

He confirms that he does not regret leaving the winning and rookie Red Bull in 2018: “I understand that I seem to have failed (passes through Renault and McLaren)But I know how I felt and how I wanted to move on. I haven’t won titles since leaving Red Bull, but I’ve learned and I’m feeling better. In 2024 there are no guarantees, but I feel like if I ever get in a “high” car again, I’ll be even better. At that time I needed to change. In 2018 I won two races in the beginning, but then I had eight or nine DNFs. It was a great team, but my energy was weak.”

Now he hopes to strike a good deal with one of the best teams. Fortunately, I think I’ve done enough to make my case unique. He thinks, because he doesn’t want to be the typical young guy who accompanies the “major squad” with dozens of dead hours in the garage. “You have to work with both parties, but I don’t want to jump at any chance next year to be on the grid, I want time to myself, to train and be fit, although it would be nice to drive.”