D-Day for Ricciardo: will he regain his old self during Pirelli test?

Officially, it is 'only' a test for tyre supplier Pirelli, but for Red Bull Racing and Daniel Ricciardo, it is actually much more than that. On Tuesday morning, the Australian will get his first opportunity to get behind the wheel of the RB19, and show the world that he has found his mojo again. With a Ricciardo at his old level, Red Bull can take the pressure further towards Nyck de Vries (AlphaTauri) and perhaps even Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing).

What is the Pirelli test?

Red Bull, Haas and Williams remained at Silverstone after the British Grand Prix for the two-day test, with Pirelli determining how the test goes. No testing of new parts is allowed, everything revolves around runs with potential tyres for '24. Too many conclusions should therefore not be drawn from the lap times, although Daniel Ricciardo's performance will still be watched with interest. After months on the sidelines, he is making his return to Formula 1, moreover in the currently best car in the field.

Last weekend, the veteran told SpeedCity broadcaster on SiriuxXM that he was hugely looking forward to the tests. "I’ve had enough of a break now where I’ve got ants in my pants, in a positive way. But of course it’s a phenomenal car and I’m excited to feel it round here, and on such a high-speed circuit as well" Ricciardo told.

Ricciardo on the grid with Red Bull Racing?

The test is extra interesting as Red Bull currently has two drivers who are not performing as hoped. Sergio Perez's position alongside Max Verstappen would not be in jeopardy for this season (even for '24?), but that is by no means the case for Nyck de Vries' spot at Red Bull's sister team AlphaTauri. The Dutchman may have to be forced to step down in the summer break, which means Red Bull will need a replacement. Liam Lawson is a logical candidate, but perhaps Ricciardo too.

Ricciardo is reportedly interested in driving for the Italian team again at some point. Last weekend, he said of this: "Never know, never know…" Yet even the Australian realises that at AlphaTauri he can show he has regained his old form, and earn Perez's place at Red Bull Racing next season (or possibly as late as '25).

Horner curious about Ricciardo's performance

The test does not give a complete picture due to the conditions outlined, but for Ricciardo and Red Bull Racing these two days are therefore important nonetheless. Helmut Marko, advisor to both Red Bull and AlphaTauri, and Christian Horner (Red Bull team boss) are looking forward to it, the latter telling GPblog and others on Sunday: "I think it would have been a loss to the sport for him just to disappear, and I think that I didn't recognise the Daniel over the last couple of years, so I'll be very interested to see what kind of job he does on Tuesday."

Now it is up to Ricciardo to show that the time on the sidelines has done him good and he is his old self again.