Alan Jones has made comments on Daniel Ricciardo’s career prospects. The Formula One World Champion and fellow Aussie to Daniel Ricciardo claims that he has “spent a bit too much time for his activities out of the cockpit rather than in it.”

Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from McLaren

Ricciardos’ exit from Formula one was sudden, as it was announced in the summer of 2022 that Daniel Riccardo would be replaced in the McLaren Team by rookie Oscar Piastri, in the new season. The Woking based team ended his contract early due to the Aussies bad performance in the car, and the messy press that came from this made things end in an even worse way for the 33-year-old.

Since then we have seen Ricciardo back in Red Bull colours after becoming their third driver this season. Reports have said Christian Horner (Red Bull team Principle) will not be entrusting the honeybadger with a seat in the Red Bull Car. It is clear Ricciardo has hopes of being on the grid in 2024 but Alan Jones seems to think otherwise.

Alan Jones on Daniel Ricciardo’s Career prospects

Jones spoke to Damon Hill, fellow world champion and despite Hills optimism on a Ricciardo return, Jones the first World Drivers Champion for the Williams team, reveals that Ricciardo will struggle to get back into F1. Jones goes on to state;

‘I don’t think he will get a drive at Red Bull unless something happens to the two current drivers, I can’t see him doing a Grand Prix,’

‘I doubt [he will be on the grid in 2024]. At the end of the day there is probably no reason why Red Bull won’t re-sign Perez and obviously Verstappen [is locked in] and I can’t see anybody at Ferrari resigning or going away, so I just can’t see where he can go.

‘Obviously everybody likes to go out on a high note and it’s just unfortunate that for whatever reason, and I don’t even think he knows himself, why his performance dropped off.

‘As I said before, I just can’t see him getting back into Formula One.

‘Really, in my own opinion, I think he concentrated and spent a bit too much time for his activities out of the cockpit rather than in it. That’s my opinion.’

Alan Jones on Danny Ricc

Damon Hill difference in opinion

Hills optimism on Daniel Riccardo’s career is evident with his claims that maybe Ricciardo just needs to find his way again. Hill goes on to state;

“I would say it’s 50-50 if he will ever get back in an F1 car at the moment,’

‘He is a very popular guy, he is clearly someone that has brought a lot of colour and a lot of amusement, his never say die attitude has been impressive and his race wins as well, his driving.

‘But something went missing, we are not sure where. It just disappeared and it is as mystifying to me, probably as it is to him.’

‘It’s very difficult when you have been at the sharp end to race in Formula One and be motivated if you are in a less competitive car.

‘I think that’s the big worry, if you drive a less competitive car, you lose your mojo.

‘That’s the last thing he needs to do right now is appear to be unmotivated.’

Damon Hill

Ricciardo’s Future

Maybe this year Red Bull; a team in which he knows well, will bring back Ricciardo’s confidence and we will see him in an F1 car again. But also maybe Alan Jones is right and Ricciardo’s career will come to a complete end. Only time will tell for the 8 time Grand Prix winner. Would you like to see Daniel back in the driver seat in 2024?

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