Horner issues Ricciardo proposal for Red Bull return

Daniel Ricciardo exited F1 after the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this year, but Christian Horner has highlighted Red Bull’s partnership with the Australian doesn’t need to be closed.Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has suggested Daniel Ricciardo would be welcomed back to the team with open arms in the future.Ricciardo holds a long association with the team, having raced for its junior squad Toro Rosso in 2012 and 2013 before enjoying a five-year stint with the front-running squad.The Australian returned to the Red Bull family in 2023 following various stints elsewhere and received a call-up at AlphaTauri (now RB), taking part in 26 further races before being dropped following the Singapore Grand Prix.Although his F1 chapter has likely closed, Horner has insisted his association with Red Bull may not be over.“Daniel grew up with Red Bull and he’s taking some time out at the moment,” Horner told media including RacingNews365.“He’d be very welcome anytime to be part of whatever role he elected to want to get involved in when he has a massive profile.”Prior to his return to F1 midway through last year’s campaign, Ricciardo was working as a third driver at Red Bull, taking part in various marketing duties.Should he elect to return to Red Bull, Horner hinted a similar role could be offered to him.“You’re a long-time retired, so if he chose to want to get involved in some activities in the US, in any way, it’s something we’d be very open to,” he stated.