It is only the second day of the Formula 1 summer break and the stories outside the paddock keep unraveling. At this time of the year, the negotiations between the drivers and constructors are in their prime. The new name emerging amidst these future contract talks is McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo.
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Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel stunned the motorsport world by announcing his retirement. To fill the void, the constructor quickly announced the signing of the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso. The knock-on effect has resulted in a seat being vacant at the French constructor (Alpine) for the 2023 season.
In 2020, the pandemic was not the only bad news for the team powered by the Renault engine. Very early that season, Ricciardo announced an astonishing move to McLaren for 2021. ‘Honey Badger‘ signed a three-year deal and aimed to reach his F1 title ambitions with the papaya outfit.
It is no secret that the last couple of years have been rough for him. Daniel Ricciardo has failed to replicate the highs of Monza 2021 and match the pace set by Lando Norris. However, during the second half of his last season (2020) with Renault, the Aussie secured consistent results and multiple podium finishes. He was a threat and outscored his teammate, Esteban Ocon, effortlessly.
The Perth-Born racing driver ended the season in P5 and was the best of the rest. A move back to the French outfit could appeal to him as he has struggled with McLaren and is a proven racing driver under what is now Alpine.
F1 Twitter pleads with Daniel Ricciardo to jump ship
The 33-year-old has been renowned as the ‘last of the late brakers’. Nevertheless, the inability to get on top of his MCL36 has robbed the Aussie of the opportunity to show why he is called the honey badger. Motivated by the empty seat at Alpine, F1 Twitter wants to see the star back with his old crew.
@danielricciardo @AlpineF1Team GET YOUR ASS BACK TO ALPINE DANIEL JOSEPH RICCIARDO! Right now, please!!!!
The lovely noise @danielricciardo Will get from @AlpineF1Team next year #F1
How about Daniel Ricciardo back to Alpine? At least with that team he can demonstrate his potential.
WHAT DO WE WANT? Daniel Ricciardo to Alpine WHEN DO WE WANT IT? now
Presently, 21-year-old Alpine test driver Oscar Piastri is the favorite to sign with the team for the 2023 season. The team has significantly invested in the 2021 Formula 2 champion who has emerged from their academy.
Hear me out what if it’s a driver swap? Ricciardo back to Renault/Alpine and Piastri to Mclaren It would actually make a lot of sense. It’s very clear that the Mclaren does not suit Daniel and he knows folks at Alpine well and can work to develop the car
BREAKING: French media AutoHebdo reports that Oscar Piastri has a pre- agreement with another Formula 1 team. One of the teams that showed great interest was McLaren. If this is real, Alpine would have a serious problem with Fernando's seat. #F1 #Formula1 #Piastri #Alonso
AND silly season continues… (thanks @alo_oficial 😂😂) Now the current rumours is that Daniel Ricciardo is favourite for the Alpine seat, with Oscar going to McLaren!! Never mind, the next race is in 4 weeks… 🙄 #F1 #Formula1 #Piastri #Ricciardo
In whichever direction the pendulum swings, it looks certain that the paddock would see an Australian racing driver in the vacant Alpine seat. Who do you think the French team should sign to chase its ambitions of winning races? Will they back youth or experience?