The latest installment of Drive to Survive has uncovered a pivotal moment that led to Christian Horner giving Daniel Ricciardo a second chance in Formula One.
After being sidelined by McLaren at the end of 2022, Ricciardo faced a challenging period with no team offering him a seat.
Settling for the ‘third driver’ role at Red Bull, the Australian’s opportunity for redemption came during the 2023 season.
Concerns at AlphaTauri:
As performances of Nick de Vries at Red Bull’s junior team, AlphaTauri, raised concerns among team bosses, including Christian Horner, Ricciardo was presented with a chance to prove himself.
An invitation to drive Max Verstappen’s RB19 car around Silverstone became a critical test to determine whether Ricciardo still possessed the pace to compete at the top level.
Make-or-Break Test at Silverstone:
During the Silverstone test, as Ricciardo navigated the iconic circuit, Horner expressed the scrutiny on him, stating, ‘Daniel knows everybody is going to be looking at that data.’
Despite a momentary setback with a spin, Ricciardo rallied and delivered impressive lap times.
Horner, impressed by the performance, informed Ricciardo that the completed lap would have placed him next to Verstappen on the grid.
Return to Red Bull:
Horner, excited about the resurgence of the Ricciardo he recognized from earlier years, decided to bring him back into the fold.
Breaking the news to Ricciardo in the garage, Horner humorously issued a warning: ‘Welcome back on the team.
Just don’t f***ing crash it.’
This marked a significant turning point for Ricciardo’s career, showcasing his resilience and determination to reclaim his place in Formula One.
Future Prospects and Pressure:
In Episode Nine, Horner emphasized that strong performances from Ricciardo at AlphaTauri would position him well for a potential return to Red Bull in 2025, when Sergio Perez’s contract expires.
Despite Ricciardo’s wrist injury in Zandvoort, Horner affirmed the team’s continued faith in him, acknowledging the prospect of pressure due to past uncertainties at McLaren.
Conclusion:
Daniel Ricciardo’s redemption story, revealed in Drive to Survive, adds a compelling layer to his journey in Formula One.
The Silverstone test not only secured his place at AlphaTauri but also positioned him as a contender for a return to Red Bull, highlighting the unpredictability and resilience inherent in the world of motorsports.
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