After how the 2022 season went for him, it looked like Daniel Ricciardo wouldn’t get another look at Formula 1. Let alone a second chance at the team he left in 2019. But for someone who is considered a very good driver, Ricciardo’s unceremonious sacking from McLaren didn’t sit right with Red Bull. so what did the team do? Give him a second chance when even he didn’t think he wanted one. Red Bull made him its reserve driver, which led to a full-time offer from AlphaTauri. Competing in only his third race since his return, things are already looking good for the Aussie at the Mexican GP.

Sitting out six months of the 2023 season, Ricciardo knew he wanted to race again. As happy as he is at AlphaTauri, he has bigger dreams. “The fairytale ending would be to finish my career at Red Bull.” The biggest hurdle in Ricciardo’s path to Red Bull? Sergio Perez. But the Aussie’s performance in Perez’s backyard could work in his favor.

Daniel Ricciardo means business at the Mexican GP

The Honey Badger made his F1 return at the Hungarian GP. Two races later, at the Dutch GP, he fractured his hand and sat out five races. Making his second return at the US GP, he wasn’t too pleased with his performance there. But a week later in Mexico, it’s safe to assume that Ricciardo couldn’t be happier with where he is right now.

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When he became AlphaTauri’s full-time driver mid-season, the team was one of the slowest on the grid. While the team didn’t make any McLaren-esque progress, its updates have sure helped its case. At the Mexican GP, Ricciardo looked completely dialed in on Friday, staking his claim as a genuine top-10 contender. F1 expert Peter Windsor analyzed the Aussie’s performance on Friday, where he finished P8 in FP1 and P6 in FP2. Windsor said, “[Daniel Ricciardo’s long-run pace] is Oscar Piastri territory almost and pretty similar in top speed as well. So, a very, very good day for AlphaTauri.”

“The best day in Formula 1 yet since he won the Italian Grand Prix for McLaren I would think for Daniel Ricciardo. Really enjoying being in this circuit in Mexico City. So very good day for Daniel Ricciardo,” Windsor concluded. Perez hasn’t been on the best run of form this year. Although Red Bull has asserted that the Mexican is safe for 2024, how safe can anyone really be in a Red Bull? If Ricciardo can work his magic and deliver in Perez’s backyard, it could be what Red Bull needs to believe that the Aussie would be a good fit at Red Bull once again.

Battle for No. 1 Intensifies as Daniel Ricciardo Gains Lucky Headstart Ahead of Yuki Tsunoda At Mexican GP 2023

Ricciardo’s form in Mexico may not be surprising, especially considering his confidence coming into the race and how he’s ready to “kick some a**.”

Ricciardo shrugged off his Austin miseries in Mexico

Ricciardo’s racing return at the US GP didn’t go as planned. After finishing fifteenth (with damage to his car), he wasn’t happy. He said, “At best, we’re a top-10 car and when you put damage into it, we are certainly out of the points. Most of our day today was misfortune.” With the progress AlphaTauri has made over the past few weeks, Ricciardo is confident about the team’s chances going forward. Coming into the Mexican GP weekend, he said, “Starting this weekend in Mexico, I’m positive that we can aim for points in the remaining races.”

After his commendable practice outings on Friday, he reasserted his confidence. “I’m confident. I know what I felt in the car was good and I believe that is a top-10 car tomorrow. So considering some strengths that I felt on a grip level like this, I think it’s positive. Obviously, I’m very complimentary and positive. That’s a fact, but we will still stay level-headed [for qualifying],” said Ricciardo. “But it’s nice to be driving and just ready to kick some a**. I’m more comfortable with this car and feel like I can attack it the way I like.” 

WATCH THIS STORY | Will Daniel Ricciardo Get Swapped in for Sergio Perez at Red Bull? 

Where do you think Daniel Ricciardo will stack up for the Mexican GP? Can he outperform Sergio Perez—the hurdle standing between him and his fairytale ending?