In sports and life, other things should never shadow the importance of one’s mental health. Formula 1 is a cutthroat business of speed. Drivers are commodities in a way that is only good as long as they are fast. But outside the track, it is very important to acknowledge them as humans, too. Daniel Ricciardo was down in the dumps these last two years with McLaren, and it was evident for everyone to see.

For everyone on the outside, it was pretty clear that the Honey Badger had lost his mojo. Hence, the decision to sit out in 2023. Many believed that last year was the end of Ricciardo, too. Back when he had decided to sit out, he had many detractors, including F1TV journalist and Drive to Survive stalwart, Will Buxton. But what Red Bull has been able to do to the 33-year-old has changed Buxton’s tune.

How Red Bull saved Daniel Ricciardo

Buxton was staunchly against the idea of seeing Ricciardo essentially taking a sabbatical. But the stark difference between 2022’s Ricciardo and today has changed his mind.

Buxton recently said on F1’s Weekend Warmup program, He said, “Look, you know, I just couldn’t do it anymore and I was tearing myself to pieces.” But this year, these months going back to Red Bull – that smile back on his face is a genuine one. He’s in a really happy place.”

Ricciardo now seems to have found his mojo back. “Saw him this morning, and I was like “how are you?” He was just like, “I’m happy. I’m just so happy,” narrated Buxton.

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With the old Ricciardo seemingly now back, his focus is back to where it should belong.

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Ricciardo is hopeful to be back in 2024

For Formula 1 fans across the globe, being able to see Ricciardo fight tooth and nail in comparable machinery is a tantalizing prospect. After being sucked back into Red Bull, and finding his mojo back, the Australian is keen to leave an impact and get back to where he belongs.

He told reporters at a Red Bull event, “The signs are pointing towards getting back on the grid. It’s only been a few months [out of F1] but I think some itches have been scratched, so to speak. I’ve actually weirdly found that the days that I’ve had no schedule are the days when I’ve actually done training, and I’ve done things like I would before,” as quoted by ESPN.

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Will we see the Honey Badger make a triumphant return in 2024?