Daniel Ricciardo's shock contract demand revealed in new Netflix season
The Australian reportedly was demanding a lot more than Haas expected.
The new series of Drive to Survive from Netflix has appeared to show Aussie driver Daniel Ricciardo's demand for a new contract in 2023 and team Haas weren't too impressed. McLaren and Ricciardo parted ways last year after the team signed young Australian Oscar Piastri to their ranks.
Piastri, recruited by McLaren from F1 rivals Alpine last year, will make his debut in the sport when the F1 season kicks off in Bahrain in March. This left Ricciardo searching for a team after departing McLaren.
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And according to Planet F1, footage from the upcoming season of the popular Netflix show appears to show Ricciardo's contract demand. Haas were exploring the option of signing a top driver after contemplating retaining the services of Mick Schumacher at the time.
Driver Kevin Magnussen reportedly showed his excitement at the idea of Ricciardo, but Haas team principal Guenther Steiner quickly dismissed the Aussie joining after looking at his contract demand.
“We can’t afford him, Kevin,” Steiner said, according to PlanetF1. “He wants 10 f**king million. Minimum!” The move may come as a surprise to some considering it was reported he was on around $25 million at McLaren as a top driver.
Despite looking around for options, Ricciardo rejoined Red Bull as a reserve driver for 2023. This could see the Australian take an extended break and look to get back into a top team for 2024 after having less responsibilities every week.
Daniel Ricciardo joins Red Bull
Last year, after plenty of speculation, Red Bull announced the signing of the Australian as their reserve driver. Ricciardo made his F1 debut at Red Bull in 2014.
"This may be our worst kept secret, but the rumours are true," Red Bull said in a statement on Wednesday. "Daniel Ricciardo will return home and re-join the team as our third driver for 2023."
Ricciardo had been rumoured to be returning to Red Bull for weeks. The team revealed some key details about the role he will fill as a reserve.
"Bringing a wealth of experience and character, Daniel will assist the team with testing and sim (race simulator) work, as well as commercial activity," Red Bull added.
Ricciardo spent five seasons with Red Bull, before making a switch to Renault in 2019, then subsequently to McLaren in 2021. His time at McLaren wasn't as fruitful as expected.
"I'm truly excited to be coming back home," Ricciardo said. "For me personally, the ability to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely appealing, whilst also giving me some time to recharge and refocus."
Ricciardo has already stated that he is unlikely to attend every grand prix in 2023, which will be used as a springboard to get back into top shape. Red Bull have back-to-back world champion Max Verstappen and Mexican driver Sergio Perez in their starting line-up for 2023.
with AAP
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