Red Bull Racing may not be done with Daniel Ricciardo just yet. While the Australian driver’s F1 career has hit a wall following the announcement that Liam Lawson will replace him for the remaining six races of the 2024 season, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has hinted at a potential non-racing role for Ricciardo within the team.
Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix winner and one of the most popular figures in Formula 1, especially in the United States, is weighing his options as he steps away from active competition. Marko, who played a pivotal role in Ricciardo’s rise through the Red Bull Junior program, confirmed that discussions have taken place about Ricciardo staying involved with Red Bull, albeit off the track.
“We have had a conversation, and it is clear that we are interested,” Marko told Motorsport Total. “But he wants time to consider his entire future. I don’t think he will enter any other racing category. And if he is no longer actively racing, will he still want these PR activities at all?”
Marko emphasized that Ricciardo’s decision is as much about life choices as it is about career moves. With substantial earnings banked, Ricciardo has the luxury of shaping his future on his terms.
Ricciardo has already made it clear that any future association with Red Bull will not include a return to a reserve driver role, a position he held last year in hopes of reclaiming a race seat. Reflecting on his time as a reserve, Ricciardo acknowledged the reality of his age and the evolving competition in F1.
“Obviously, last year it made a lot of sense to keep one foot in the door and try to get back at Red Bull,” Ricciardo said. “But if I was to do that again… I’m not going to restart my career. I’m also 35, and it’s been harder for me to show the pace that I’ve had over the years. It definitely came easier when I was 25.”
Ricciardo’s struggle to consistently perform at his peak has been apparent in his recent stints, and he’s candid about the challenges of keeping up with the younger, hungrier talent now flooding the sport. Despite the setbacks, he remains grateful for his time at the top and is intent on leaving F1 with his head held high.
“I’m happy that once upon a time I could do it, and it was a lot of fun. I also want to leave the sport with good memories and not just grind it out in Q1 every weekend,” Ricciardo concluded.
Whether Ricciardo will transition into a brand ambassador or another strategic role within Red Bull remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he’s taking his time to decide how he wants his post-racing career to unfold.
