Daniel Ricciardo hints at potential AlphaTauri future following Formula 1 racing break

Australian racing driver, Daniel Ricciardo, expressed his eagerness to return to Formula 1 and did not rule out the possibility of driving for AlphaTauri in the future.

Currently serving as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull, Ricciardo had the opportunity to participate in a Pirelli tyre test at Silverstone this week, providing him with a taste of the remarkable RB19 car.

Having last driven an F1 car during the 2022 season finale in Abu Dhabi for McLaren, Ricciardo spoke about his excitement to get back behind the wheel.

"Very much so!" exclaimed the spirited Australian when interviewed by SpeedCity Broadcasting. "I'm hanging out just to drive in general. I've had enough of a break now where I've got ants in my pants, in a positive way. But of course, it's a phenomenal car, and I'm excited to feel it round [Silverstone], and on such a high-speed circuit as well."

While Ricciardo has been primarily confined to the Red Bull pit wall and the team simulator thus far, he expressed his longing to once again line up on the F1 grid. "Yeah, of course [I miss it]," he admitted. "This is my favourite part of the race weekend - the build-up part to the race. When you're about 10-15 minutes out, it's really awesome, and the grid gets packed, it's a bit of a zoo, and it's chaos but it's kind of a fun chaos.

"So, I do miss it, but it's all good. I'm letting it all happen as it comes, and I have confidence I'll be back on the grid at some point. Obviously, I'm not 100% sure of it, but I'm confident it will happen again one day."

There have been speculations about Ricciardo potentially replacing under-performing driver Nyck de Vries at AlphaTauri, and when asked about this possibility, he replied, "Never know, never know. I'm staying ready. I sat on the couch for two months over Christmas, but since then I've been getting back into my training and enjoying it."