Yesterday, RB put an end to long-running speculation by announcing that Liam Lawson will replace Daniel Ricciardo for the rest of the 2024 season. The young New Zealander will return to Formula 1 at the next Grand Prix in Austin, after spending nearly a year as Red Bull’s reserve driver.

Last year, Lawson stepped in for Ricciardo for five races following the Australian's wrist injury in Zandvoort. This time, however, the decision could potentially mark the end of Ricciardo's career.

The so-called ‘Honey Badger’ faced a similar situation when McLaren opted not to extend their partnership into the 2023 season, with no other teams showing interest in Ricciardo. As a result, he chose to return to Red Bull as a reserve driver, eventually replacing Nyck De Vries in the team.

Now, after Ricciardo’s replacement in VCARB, Red Bull’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko stated that the team is keen on keeping Daniel Ricciardo involved in some capacity after his departure from Formula 1.

"We have had a conversation and it is clear that we are interested," Marko told Motosport.com.

"He is one of the most popular Formula 1 drivers, especially in the United States.

"But he wants time to consider his entire future. I don't think he will enter any other racing category. And on the other hand, if he is no longer actively racing, will he still want these PR activities at all?

"Ricciardo also has a lot of money in the bank and I would say it is a life decision for him to decide how he wants to shape his future life."

However, when Ricciardo was asked if he would consider being a reserve driver again, he was against the idea.

"No," the Australian driver said quickly.

"Obviously last year it made a lot of sense to keep one foot in the door and the big picture was to try and get back at Red Bull.

"I think if I was to do that again... I'm not going to restart my career. I'm also 35 and I still showed the pace that I've had over the years, but it's obviously been evident that it's been harder for me to show it every weekend.

"It definitely came easier for me when I was 25 as opposed to 35, but also maybe the competition is just increasing.

"I'm happy that once upon a time I could do it and that was a lot of fun. And I also want to leave the sport with good memories of it and it doesn't get into that place where it's just a grind and I'm out in Q1 every weekend. That's obviously not fun,” he added.