#F1: Daniel Ricciardo reveals money won't be a factor if he returns to the grid

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F1: Daniel Ricciardo reveals money won't be a factor if he returns to the grid

'If I want to return, I'll make it happen': Daniel Ricciardo reveals money won't be a factor if he makes Formula One comeback... but it will only be on the cards if he can land a competitive drive next season Daniel Ricciardo is currently the reserve driver at Red Bull for the 2023 season But the Australian admits he could be tempted to return to the sport in the future The eight-time race winner left McLaren in 2022 after a disappointing spell By Jonathan McEvoy for MailOnline Published: 06:02 EDT, 31 March 2023 | Updated: 06:02 EDT, 31 March 2023 Daniel Ricciardo is willing to return to Formula One for next to nothing. The Aussie favourite is sitting out this season after being sacked by McLaren last term and is now reserve driver at Red Bull. The 33-year-old is being feted in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. However, the eight-time race winner has few options open to him for next year. He certainly can’t demand big bucks for a race seat. ‘Transparently it wouldn't be about the money,’ said Ricciardo. ‘I have had a pretty long career in F1 and when I look back, let's say I can buy the pair of jeans that I want to buy. ‘But this year I will reflect on myself and where I am at in life. The reason to get back into it would be the reason why I started racing in the first place. Australian star Daniel Ricciardo admits he hasn't ruled out a return to Formula One This year he is back at former team Red Bull as a reserve driver as he weighs up future options ‘It wasn't to be famous. It wasn't to make money but it was because I want to be the best, I want to win races and I want it more than anybody else and that is what will give me the drive to get back on the grid. ‘One thing I do know is as much as I do see myself or want to put myself racing next year, I wouldn't say that is at any cost. ‘I want to be in a competitive car and I don't want to restart my whole career from ground zero. I don't see a decade ahead of me.’ Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, who elected to sign Nico Hulkenberg after axing Mick Schumacher last season, said Ricciardo wanted 10million US dollars (£8m) to race for the American team. Speaking at an event alongside champion surfer Mick Fanning to launch Red Bull Racing's partnership with premium outdoor retailer YETI, Ricciardo added: ‘If I really want to return to the grid, I will make it happen.’ Ricciardo departed F1 at the end of the 2022 season after leaving McLaren (above) Guenther Steiner claims he tried to sign Ricciardo for Haas but couldn't agree a deal Australian compatriot and former F1 world champion Alan Jones, pictured speaking with Ricciardo in 2015, cannot see him returning to the grid But Alan Jones, the 1980 world champion, recently said he couldn’t envisage his compatriot returning to F1. Australia's last world champion, Jones also said Ricciardo spent too much time concentrating on activities outside the cockpit. Hitting back, Ricciardo said: ‘I know me better than anyone. I know my feelings, and my desires, and my drive and it is going to be up to me and how badly I want it. ‘I will show that intent with what I am doing off track, behind closed doors and when I am working with the team. A lot of people might just see what you are doing on social media, and it is often not a true representation of everything that is going on. ‘I sit here today and I have confidence I will get back on the grid if that [pointing to his heart] is truly there, and three months into this year that doesn't feel like it is lost. There have been little signs here and there that I have that desire, that hunger and that motivation.’ Share or comment on this article: F1: Daniel Ricciardo reveals money won't be a factor if he returns to the grid via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490