8-GP winner Daniel Ricciardo says Red Bull didn’t ‘owe him anything’ after 2018 exit

Daniel Ricciardo has decided to stay in F1 in the 2023 season as a reserve driver with the Red Bull F1 team.

The 33-year-old previously left the Milton-Keynes-based team in the 2018 season in an unprecedented move to Renault. Ricciardo departed from Red Bull after 5 years after he felt uncomfortable with the squad and wanted to challenge himself elsewhere.

After 2 seasons with the French team, Ricciardo moved to McLaren where he saw a disappointing stint and eventually lost his seat earlier this year.

Now the honeybadger has decided to go back to Red Bull as a third driver and he explains that he is thankful for how the discussions proceeded with the team.

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“You don’t owe me anything” – Daniel Ricciardo told Red Bull chiefs

The Australians’ discussions to stay, at least in some capacity, connected with the sport in 2023 had been going on for a long time.

There were rumours about Ricciardo joining the Mercedes F1 team as a reserve driver but talks with the Brackley-based team did not proceed. The Honeybadger decided to go ahead with the Red Bull option.

Danny Ric, it’s been a pleasure my friend. Thanks for everything. Thanks for the good times. Thanks for the laughs. You’re a legend @danielricciardo pic.twitter.com/zc19pBC6B8

— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) November 21, 2022

Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, the 33-year-old explained that he was very honest and appreciative of Red Bull’s offer.

“No matter where this conversation goes, I’ll just thank you for your time because you don’t owe me anything,” he told Christian Horner and Helmut Marko.

Ricciardo doesn’t regret his decision

Ricciardo left Red Bull in 2018 due to doubts about Honda’s ability to provide a competitive engine. Many also suggested that the team was more in favour of Max Verstappen.

Ever since his departure from the team, Verstappen has scored 30 wins and 2-world champion. Ricciardo was asked if he looks back at the Dutchman’s stats, to which he replied that he doesn’t look back at things with regret.

He explained that nothing was sure about his success with the team and he felt like he needed change.

“You live and learn, but I don’t look back with regret. There was a challenge I took on and it didn’t work out how I hoped,” he further added.

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