Daniel Ricciardo Makes a Comeback to Red Bull Racing

Sergio Perez is under mounting pressure as he continues to falter at Red Bull Racing alongside Max Verstappen.



As the United States Grand Prix approaches, the Formula 1 world is abuzz with the potential return of Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo, who has been sidelined due to a hand injury, has been on the road to recovery. His last competitive race was the Dutch Grand Prix, where he had to exit due to a hand injury sustained during Free Practice 2.

While Daniel Ricciardo’s return is not yet officially confirmed, there are strong indications that he might make a comeback at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. Ricciardo took part in a demo run in Nashville, driving Red Bull’s 2011 title-winning RB7. This demonstration suggests that he’s well on his way to returning to the Formula 1 grid.

During his time on the sidelines, Red Bull Racing opted for their reserve driver, Liam Lawson, to fill in for Ricciardo. The 34-year-old Australian underwent surgery in Barcelona to address the complications from his fractured metacarpal. His demo run in Nashville is a promising sign that his injured hand is recovering well, which is crucial for handling the demands of COTA.

Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that Ricciardo might need some time to regain his rhythm and confidence in the car, especially since he has been away from racing for five races. His existing contract to race for AlphaTauri in 2024 gives him some breathing room to acclimate to the high-paced world of Formula 1. Both Red Bull and AlphaTauri recognize the positive influence Ricciardo’s presence has on the team.

However, there are concerns for Ricciardo as his return coincides with the start of a challenging triple-header series. The United States Grand Prix is the first race in this intense sequence, meaning his recovery time will be limited in the coming weeks. Additionally, AlphaTauri, the team he will be driving for in 2024, is currently at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship. Yuki Tsunoda, Ricciardo’s teammate, may need to carry the responsibility of scoring crucial points for the team, especially if it takes Ricciardo some time to regain his competitive edge.