Republished with full copyrights permissions obtained from the Sports Today Magazine.

The unexpected return of Daniel Ricciardo to the F1 grid with AlphaTauri midseason has caught everyone’s attention. Amidst this surprising comeback, rumors are now swirling that Ricciardo might secure a full-time seat with AlphaTauri in 2024. In a recent interview with German outlet Motorsport-Magazin, Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko revealed his positive assessment of Ricciardo’s impact on the team’s overall mood and motivation, indicating a potential long-term partnership with AlphaTauri.

Dr. Marko shared his observations regarding Ricciardo’s influence on the AlphaTauri team, expressing the positive changes he has witnessed. With Ricciardo’s arrival, the team’s morale and motivation have significantly surged. In terms of performance, Ricciardo has demonstrated commendable skills, with his pace almost on par with his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, when considering adjustments for various factors.

While Ricciardo openly dreams of a fairytale return to Red Bull, Dr. Marko believes that focusing on AlphaTauri might be the more realistic path for the Australian driver in the 2024 season. Marko emphasized the importance of Ricciardo’s commitment to AlphaTauri and mentioned that the team would closely monitor his performance in the remaining nine races of the current season. This evaluation period will help determine Ricciardo’s readiness for a full year with AlphaTauri in 2024.

Looking ahead, AlphaTauri has several options for the 2024 season. Yuki Tsunoda, contracted until 2023, has exhibited consistent improvement and noteworthy control over his emotions. With Tsunoda’s growth, it is highly likely that he will secure an extension. Additionally, Red Bull’s junior driver Liam Lawson emerges as another potential option for AlphaTauri. Lawson’s impressive performance and development in Japan have caught Marko’s attention, presenting an interesting alternative for the team to consider.

While Ricciardo may yearn for a reunion with Red Bull, it seems that proving himself for another season with AlphaTauri could offer him the best chance at a fairytale ending. With Sergio Pérez already under contract with Red Bull until at least 2024, securing a seat with the main team might be a challenging feat. Thus, by fully committing to AlphaTauri and showcasing his skills and dedication, Ricciardo could potentially position himself for a remarkable journey with the team.

Daniel Ricciardo’s unexpected return has brought an exciting twist to the Formula 1 season. As AlphaTauri thrives under his influence, rumors surrounding his future linger. With Red Bull seemingly less feasible, Ricciardo’s full commitment to AlphaTauri seems to be the logical direction for the Australian driver. However, alternatives in Tsunoda and Lawson cannot be overlooked. As the remaining races of the season unfold, the Formula 1 community eagerly awaits the next chapter in Ricciardo’s career, curious to see if he is ready to embrace the “full commitment” suggested by Dr. Marko.

This post “Daniel Ricciardo’s Future at AlphaTauri: A Fairytale Ending?” was published with full copyrights permissions obtained from the Sports Today Magazine.