Ricciardo refuses to rule out switch back to Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo hasn’t ruled out a switch back to his former team in Aston Martin Red Bull Racing as early as next season.

In the latest Sky Sports F1 Vodcast, Ricciardo joined hosts Simon Lazenby and Natalie Pinkham as well as Manchester United coach Michael Carrick to share his thoughts on Formula One in its current situation.

Ricciardo’s shock move to Renault’s F1 Team for a two-year period was undoubtedly the biggest driver-switch news of the 2018 season.

However, the highs gained from seven victories at Red Bull Racing haven’t transferred across to his new team.

Renault dropped one place in the constructors last season finishing in fifth place. Former team Red Bull finished in third, which is the same place they’ve held since the 2017 season.

Ricciardo had no issues placing ahead of teammate Nico Hulkenberg in the driver standings last season.

However, after a tough season for the Australian, he isn’t ruling out signing again with Renault beyond the current season.

(Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Pool via AP)

“It is hard having chats right now, because we are at a stalemate – nothing’s really happened,” he explained.

“Normally chats start to come off the back of races, results and momentum.”

When asked about whether he would rule out a possible return to Red Bull, Ricciardo said: “No… I think something I’ve learned growing up in life is never say never.”

Ricciardo isn’t concerned about contract negotiations in the current situation, admitting: “It’s all pretty slow and steady, to be honest, at this stage.”

The Formula One 2020 season looks like it may begin in Austria in early July with most races in Europe taking place behind closed doors.

“There’s obviously a push for a season to happen in the right circumstances,” Ricciardo said.

“If that means some of it or the start of it is behind closed doors, so be it.”