Drive to Survive: Daniel Ricciardo makes honest admission to Christian Horner in major sliding doors moment for his Formula One dream

Daniel Ricciardo has explained why he felt no desire to entertain approaches from IndyCar and NASCAR during his frustrating spell on the sidelines last year.

Ricciardo’s Formula One career was at a standstill for the first half of 2023, with no team offering the popular Australian a seat after he lost his McLaren drive in 2022. 

He ended up accepting a role as ‘third driver’ with Red Bull as he weighed up his options, with IndyCar and NASCAR emerging as a possible new homes for the 34-year-old.

And on Episode Two of Drive To Survive, Ricciardo is implored to join IndyCar by Romain Grosjean – the former F1 driver making the switch after leaving Haas.  

‘When are you coming?’ Grosjean asks Ricciardo ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. ‘Come on. It’s good racing.’

Ricciardo’s career was at a crossroads at the start of the 2023 season

Romain Grosjean was seen trying to persuade Ricciardo to join IndyCar

Ricciardo politely amused the Frenchman before heading for the Red Bull camp, where he discussed his predicament with team principal Christian Horner. 

‘They’re desperate to get you in a f***ing NASCAR,’ Horner acknowledged. 

‘Yeah, I know,’ Ricciardo replied. ‘I just don’t want to… because I honestly don’t feel done yet, I don’t want to start deviating.’

‘Have you had anyone else come out of the woodwork in the paddock yet?’ Horner asked. to which Ricciardo shook his head. 

‘It’s still very early though,’ Horner said.

‘I certainly don’t want to make plans,’ Ricciardo insisted.

‘Take your time,’ advised Horner. 

As it was, Ricciardo bided his time and was rewarded with a seat at AlphaTauri after Red Bull’s junior team dumped Nyck De Vries. 

Horner ended up giving Ricciardo a Formula One lifeline with AlphaTauri

Horner gave Ricciardo his second chance after an impressive test at Silverstone, matching the speed of Max Verstappen during a stint on the track. 

‘That lap he just did would have put you next to Max [Verstappen] on the grid,’ Horner told Ricciardo’s entourage. 

‘He looks like the Daniel we recognise, rather than the past couple of years. 

‘I want to put him in the car for the next race.’