Former F1 world champion advises Daniel Ricciardo against signing with a backmarker team to return to the grid

Former F1 world champion Mario Andretti has advised against Daniel Ricciardo making a return to the sport with a backmarker team. The Australian driver is on a sabbatical right now after being unceremoniously ousted from McLaren last season.

Reports suggested that Ricciardo could have opted for a position at Haas, but he chose the reserve driver role at Red Bull instead. The 33-year-old driver has since been engaged with marketing duties at the team as well as some simulator work.

Daniel Ricciardo last made an appearance in Miami earlier this month and has been more or less absent from the paddock in general. With none of the top teams having a seat available for 2024, speculation is rife about how the Australian will make a return to the grid.

Mario Andretti has advised against taking a position at a backmarker team. Talking to PlanetF1, he said:

"Now, at this stage of his career, I don’t think he’d do himself any favours by going with a backmarker team. I think he should try to see if he can get an opportunity with someone to show what he can really do."

Andretti added:

"I’d love to see that (Ricciardo returning to the grid next season). For his sake, I’m sure that’s what he would like. I hope that he has a proper opportunity sooner rather than later. He’s a very likeable chap, and very capable. Probably sometimes he lacked just a little bit of that ultimate speed in qualifying but his race craft is as good as anyone."

Daniel Ricciardo gives an update on his return

In a recent video on Red Bull’s YouTube channel, Daniel Ricciardo shared an update about with the fans. He believes that it's all happening at the right time for the right reason. Ricciardo said:

“I’m certainly comfortable with where I am currently at. Of course racing is my passion. I would love to go through what Max [Verstappen] and Checo [Sergio Perez] are feeling – that excitement, that adrenaline and all those emotions, but I’m in a place where I feel like it’s all happening at the right time for the right reason.”

There are a few options available for Ricciardo if he is willing to make a return to F1. However, none of these options include a drive with a top team in F1 for now. Will Ricciardo be willing to come back with a midfield team in 2024? Only time will tell.