Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career is not dead yet as Red Bull lifeline emerges

Although faint, Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career still has a heartbeat as the sport refuses to let the Aussie veteran go.

Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career may yet have some life in it after Red Bull offered the Aussie yet another lifeline.

Although the 35-year-old is set to stay out of the spotlight for a little while to consider any potential future moves, there is certainly no shortage of offers coming his way, including from the team that just cut him loose.

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Ricciardo had an emotional farewell at the Singapore Grand Prix, despite Red Bull only officially cutting him loose the following week. Red Bull were also slammed for their handling of the situation.

Red Bull's adviser Helmut Marko confirmed the team had offered Ricciardo an ambassadorial role, explaining on the Formula1.de YouTube channel that the team wanted to continue its relationship with the popular Aussie.

“He is one of the most popular Formula 1 drivers, especially in the USA,” Marko said.

Marko also confirmed that Ricciardo would be taking time to consider the offer and any others that may come his way.

F1 just can’t quit Danny Ricc. Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

This includes Supercars throwing its hat into the ring to try and lure the star to Australia’s premier motorsport category.

Supercars boss Shane Howard said: “I think everyone would welcome Daniel with open arms, absolutely.

“Would we like to see Daniel Ricciardo in a Supercar? One-hundred per cent.

“Just imagine if he could be in one of our cars and race in a new street race in Perth, that would be something special, wouldn’t it?

“It would be absolutely massive. He is such an incredible driver and such an incredible personality and people just absolutely love him.

“Imagine him racing at Bathurst, wow. That would be very cool indeed.”

And Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has even left the door ever so slightly ajar.

“Daniel is just a brilliant character. He’s a brilliant human being. He lights up a room when he walks into it, you know, he’s got that infectious smile,” Horner said on the F1 Nation podcast with Tom Clarkson and former world champion Damon Hill.

“We never did manage to do a toothpaste deal with him! We tried very hard.

“But I hope he stays around the sport and we’ve made it very clear that we want him to remain in an ambassadorial capacity with the team.

“Of course one never really knows, if Liam doesn’t get the job done, if Checo doesn’t get the job done, we know what Daniel’s capability is.

“But I think for him he knows at the age he’s at, he’s had a great career.”

After the Horner interview ended, Clarkson asked: “Do you think he was being serious when he said if Liam doesn’t work out, we know what Daniel’s strengths are, strength and weaknesses?”

Hill replied: “You took that to mean that he’ll be back again do you think?

“That would be like a new record wouldn’t it? In and out. How many in and outs of F1 can you possibly do in one career?”

Horner also said fought to give Ricciardo as much time as possible, as Marko wanted to boot the Aussie after the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning he got an eight-race stay of execution.

Was this the final time? Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

The comments come as Red Bull’s Sergio Perez’ horror season continues with pressure piling up on the Mexican star.

He’s also been linked to retirement rumours, with the latest suggesting he may walk away from the sport after the Mexican Grand Prix at the end of October.

Whether Ricciardo could be an option remains to be seen as his replacement Liam Lawson is considered a future star and will have the chance to impress in the final six races of the season.

It seems a very unlikely chance as Ricciardo confirmed after his final race in Singapore that he wouldn’t consider a reserve driver role.

“Obviously, last year it made a lot of sense to keep one foot in the door and obviously the big picture was to try and get back at Red Bull,” Ricciardo said.

“I think if I was to do that again, there’s not really (much point). I’m not going to restart my career.”

Although Ricciardo has been linked with both Supercars and NASCAR, Marko is confident Ricciardo will both reject Red Bull's ambassadorial offer and finish up his racing career.

“If he no longer drives actively, does he even want these PR activities?” Marko asked.

Say what you want about him, the man is loved. Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images

But the rumour mill won’t let Ricciardo’s career die just yet.

Speaking to Channel 10’s The Project last Friday, Aussie F1 photographer Kym Illman said Ricciardo’s career may still have some life left in it.

“There might be a twist,” Illman said. “I just got some information late last night and all I’ll say is there might be a twist.

“It’s a long shot but there could be a twist.

“I can’t say anymore but I’m not 100 per cent sure if the door is closed.

“We will know in weeks.”

Rumour had linked Ricciardo with basically every free seat on the grid but with just the final seat at Sauber still up in the air, it’s very unlikely the Aussie will be on the grid next season.

In Sauber’s final season before rebranding to Audi, the team is expected to give former Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas a one-year extension, despite the Fin having not earned a point this season.

He’s currently sitting 22nd and last on the drivers’ standing alongside teammate Zhou Guanyu and already sacked Williams driver Logan Sargeant.