This is Daniel Ricciardo's successor in Drive: 'That's why he can do it'

Good-humoured driver Daniel Ricciardo will not appear on the Formula 1 grid next season. A big loss for all his fans, but also for viewers of the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive'. The Australian, who does not have a seat in 2023, was often the protagonist of the hit series. Who could replace him? The producer, Paul Martin, does have an idea, he says in conversation with The New York Post.

McLaren decided to end its marriage with Ricciardo after two disappointing seasons. The eight-time race winner openly applied for a new seat, but received zero response. The 33-year-old driver decided to sign as a third driver at Red Bull, hoping to return to the grid in 2024. It is a big loss for Paul Martin. "Without Daniel I think there probably wouldn’t have been a Drive to Survive," the producer admits ruefully. The two had developed a bond. "He was the first driver that we talked to about it, the first driver that invited us to his home in Australia. I felt very emotional with him leaving."

Gasly new main protagonist in Drive to Survive

Martin knows who should take over from Ricciardo as the unspoken protagonist: Pierre Gasly. "For me, Gasly has always been in that role as well. The show’s been on this amazing journey with Pierre and I feel quite emotionally attached to him.'' The Netflix crew followed the Frenchman during his highs and lows. Not only during his win at Monza, but also during the loss of good friend Anthoine Hubert and his move back from Red Bull to AlphaTauri. "So to see him finally get a chance again in a competitive car is going to be great," Martin believes. Partly for this reason, Gasly, who will drive for Alpine from next season, will be a suitable successor to Ricciardo: "He’s grown on screen as a driver and as a person, so I think he’ll be someone who will really fill the gap that Daniel leaves,'' the Netflix man concluded.

Will Daniel Ricciardo return?

Are we going to see the Australian, who was known for his playful comments in the series, return? ''It is a soap opera: characters get killed off, they come back, new characters come on. I’m a big fan of the old ’80s soap operas so it feels a bit like Bobby Ewing. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Daniel pop up in the shower at some point this year,'' Martin says with a wink. "It's such a personality. If a few teams aren't happy with their drivers, I wouldn't be surprised if he gets another seat.'' The fifth season of Drive to Survive will be released on Netflix next Friday.