The 2022 F1 season saw some drivers’ careers being halted for the time being. While Sebastian Vettel retired permanently, his mentee Mick Schumacher was unfortunate to not get a retention from Haas. Similarly, Vettel’s ex-teammate Daniel Ricciardo also had to cut ties with McLaren for the 2023 season. It may not be a permanent end of the road for both of these drivers, but their drop-off in performance does not help their cause. Even former Ferrari driver Felipe Massa advised them the same that, eventually, performance matters.

As per Planet F1, Massa spoke to the Polish website ŚwiatWyścigów.pl in Singapore last year, about Ricciardo and Schumacher’s F1 troubles to retain their seats. He said, “But they are in the same situation that I was in when I finished Ferrari. So, until I didn’t have the opportunity to go to Williams [in 2014], I didn’t know if I would stay in Formula 1 or not.”

Massa had been with Ferrari for a long stint until 2013. Post that, he drove for Williams until 2017 and eventually retired from F1. Felipe further added, “The result is the most important thing. Maybe now, if Daniel is doing three amazing races, maybe Haas is interested.” 

Ricciardo had been in probable conversations with several teams for a 2023 drive. But he finally signed up with Red Bull as a reserve driver. Though Massa gave them a golden 6-word advice that could have helped them secure a seat for 2023.

Massa concluded, “The only thing he needs to concentrate on is driving well. If he really drives well, maybe he can stay for another season. But Daniel is part of the Formula 1 world. You need to concentrate on your job and have good management, [and] people to work for you.” 

Of course, no one can deny that both drivers did the best they could to avoid all noise and tried to focus on their driving. But, at times it doesn’t turn up the way, as per your expectations.

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Even Mick had to compromise with a reserve role at Mercedes for this upcoming season. The chances for him and Ricciardo to attain some sort of redemption may be few. Still, they would love to make the most of their time off from F1.

What can Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher do to make an F1 return?

It may be an odd time for both Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher, as they have few tools at their disposal to turn their situations around. Both are in a reserve role at two of the top teams of the grid. Still, both Red Bull and Mercedes have settled driver lineups.

So, what can they do to make F1 teams think about giving them a shot? For keeping the competitive spirit going and making some headlines, racing in other motorsport series may be a great option. Ricciardo, being a Monaco GP winner, could take a shot at attaining the Triple Crown.

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While the Honey Badger has denied racing in anything else than F1 right now; this may be a golden opportunity for him. Having a year off in 2023, the Aussie can race in both the Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Time will tell whether he achieves it or not. But it may at least keep him in a competitive space and simultaneously show his skills.

Meanwhile, even Mick could think of trying out something other than just simulator and testing work for Mercedes. Even though Schumacher is on the younger side as compared to Daniel and may have a longer future, there is no harm in trying out another series to keep the racing edge sharp.

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Nonetheless, one great thing for Mick is that he is in the Mercedes stable now. So, there are decent chances of the German driver finding a good route for his future career. On the other hand, Daniel Ricciardo is back at his “home” team, Red Bull. So, let’s hope it works out well for the Honey Badger. What do you think? Can Mick and Daniel make an F1 return soon?