Ricciardo has tough task ahead: 'He’s got to do the work'

Daniel Ricciardo is gearing up for a relaxed year at Red Bull Racing. The Australian, who will start as a reserve driver, does not have a permanent place in Formula 1 for the first time in years, but hopes to return in 2024. Mark Blundell wonders if this will work out.

The former Formula 1 driver competed in the motorsport class for several seasons between 1991 and 1995. In his final season, he drove for McLaren, so he knows well what it is like to drive for the team Ricciardo left at the end of last year.

The Australian failed to live up to expectations and therefore left McLaren after two seasons. According to Blundell, Ricciardo does have the qualities to be a good driver in Formula 1, but will have to work hard.

"I think it’s still going to be quite hard for him to pick himself up," Blundell noted in conversation with Planetf1.com. "And get back on the grid again in a team that he will feel is deserving of what he needs performance-wise."

It means that despite his role in the background at Red Bull, Ricciardo will have to prove himself to the other formations. "He’s got to do the work, I don’t think it’s going to be an open door for him to come back on the grid easily, he’s gonna have to prove himself and work at it."