Former Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill doesn’t think Daniel Ricciardo would gain anything from returning to the Formula 1 grid with AlphaTauri this season.
Reportedly, Ricciardo could be making a comeback to the pinnacle racing series with AlphaTauri, who are on the verge of losing faith in their current driver, Nyck de Vries.
However, Hill believes the Australian driver wouldn’t be interested in racing for a team that struggles towards the back of the pack.
“He [Ricciardo] had a seat fit at AlphaTauri so that set chins wagging. Realistically, what does Daniel Ricciardo have to gain by going up against Yuki Tsunoda or Nyck de Vries in an AlphaTauri?” Hill told the Sky Sports F1 Podcast.
The Red Bull reserve driver may also take up reserve duties at AlphaTauri, so a seat fitting was necessary, just in case the situation ever arises.
However, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, had also played down these rumors, suggesting that Ricciardo wouldn’t be making a permanent return to the grid anytime soon.
“I think there is nothing more to this than them needing a reserve driver. If they do then he’ll jump in. He’s already said he doesn’t want to be in a middling team. He only wants to be in a car that can win,” Hill added.
Ricciardo has made his goal clear that he wants to be in a team that has the potential to win, and would only consider returning to Formula 1 if he can compete at the front.
AlphaTauri has struggled so far this season, scoring just two points in the opening five races, and this could affect Ricciardo’s decision to join the team.
