Daniel Ricciardo could return to F1 at United States GP after pulling off…read more
Daniel Ricciardo is poised for a potential return to Formula 1 at the upcoming United States Grand Prix, following his departure from AlphaTauri in favor of rookie Liam Lawson. Despite a lackluster season on the grid, where Ricciardo found himself trailing behind teammate Yuki Tsunoda by 10 points, his popularity among fans—especially in the United States—remains strong.
Track chairman Bobby Epstein expressed optimism about Ricciardo’s attendance at the Circuit of the Americas, even though he will not be participating in the race or fulfilling any media obligations. Epstein highlighted Ricciardo’s significant fan base in Texas, emphasizing that his presence could still have a positive impact on the event. “Daniel may be able to have just as big an impact out of the car as he has in it at our grand prix,” he stated, acknowledging that while fans might not buy tickets specifically to see Ricciardo race, they still appreciate his contributions to the F1 community.
Epstein hopes that Ricciardo will engage more with fans during his time at the event, as he would not have the usual commitments that come with being a race driver. “I hope he’s still coming here, because we’ve got a lot of people who would love to shake his hand or get his autograph or take a picture,” he remarked. The Circuit of the Americas, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fanbase, would undoubtedly welcome Ricciardo, who is also fond of the Texas culture.
The possibility of Ricciardo’s appearance comes on the heels of former F1 driver David Coulthard’s comments about his unexpected exit from AlphaTauri. Coulthard described the situation as a “publicity masterstroke,” suggesting that Ricciardo’s decision to leave the team could have been a strategic move on his part. There was considerable speculation surrounding Ricciardo’s future in the lead-up to the Singapore Grand Prix, where fans and media alike were left uncertain about his status. Reports indicated that Lawson would take over, but Ricciardo himself did not confirm this until after the race, raising questions about whether he was given the chance to compete.
Coulthard addressed the mixed reactions from fans regarding Ricciardo’s departure, noting that many were disappointed and felt he hadn’t received adequate opportunities to prove himself this season. He suggested that Ricciardo was aware of the situation and that the choice to step back was made with careful consideration. “I know there’s been a lot of reaction negatively, people going, why was he not given that opportunity? But I’ve heard that he was given that opportunity and chose not to,” Coulthard explained during the Formula For Success podcast.
Ricciardo’s absence from the track might seem like a setback, but his ability to connect with fans and engage with the F1 community remains undiminished. As the United States GP approaches, many fans are eager to see how Ricciardo will navigate this transitional period in his career. Whether or not he will take on a more prominent role in the F1 community during the event, his enduring appeal ensures that he will remain a focal point for many fans. With the support of both the Texas audience and the broader F1 community, Ricciardo could leverage this time away from the competitive scene to solidify his status as a beloved figure in motorsport.
