Does Ricciardo miss racing in Formula One already? 'It's not forever'

Daniel Ricciardo was back in the paddock in Australia for the first time since his (temporary?) retirement as an active Formula 1 driver. The driver born in Perth was present in the pit box and at the pit wall of Red Bull Racing, the team for which he is currently the third driver. Earlier, Ricciardo repeatedly indicated that he deliberately chose to spend a year on the sidelines. But now that he saw his former colleagues live in action, is that still the case?

Ted Kravitz, Sky Sports' pit reporter and not averse to a bit of drama, saw Ricciardo standing behind some monitors during the Grand Prix.

"Just a tip. I’m not sure you look good on the pit wall," Kravitz said during the broadcast on the British channel.

Ricciardo replied, "I look good in these colours though right?"

Kravitz then noted that the sight of Ricciardo at the monitors makes him 'sad'. "You do (look good), but don’t go on the pit wall," the journalist continued. "It wasn’t a good look. It made me sad."

Ricciardo responded with: "Did I look a bit lonely? It’s alright. I can do it for a year. It’s alright. It’s not forever."

If Daniel Ricciardo wants to make his comeback next season, the question is where the Australian can go. At Red Bull Racing and Ferrari, both drivers are also under contract through 2024. At Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton has an expiring contract, but it is still expected the Briton will extend his contract.