Daniel Ricciardo could be set to make a shock appearance at the US Grand Prix this month despite being sacked by Visa Cash App RB following the Singapore Grand Prix.
After a P18 finish in Singapore, it was confirmed that Ricciardo would be released from his duties as a Formula One driver and replaced at VCARB by Red Bull academy driver Liam Lawson.
Ricciardo scored 8 wins and 32 podiums across his 13-year career, which saw him drive for the likes of Red Bull and McLaren and earn an impressive reputation as the 'latest on the brakes' due to his outstanding overtaking ability.
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This isn't the first time Ricciardo has been left without a seat, as he was released by McLaren in 2022 to be replaced by fellow Aussie, Oscar Piastri.
The 35-year-old then returned to Red Bull as their reserve driver for the start of the 2023 season, where he performed mostly as a marketing tool due to his huge cult fanbase and popularity.
A significant chunk of Ricciardo's following reside in the States, and with F1 making the trip to Texas in just a few weeks, Bobby Epstein, chairman of the Circuit of the Americas track believes he could be of some use.
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"Daniel, he may be able to have just as big an impact out of the car as he has in it at our grand prix," he said via The Mirror
"I am not sure that necessarily people are buying tickets to come see him race if he is not in a competitive car, right? So, if you are coming because he is part of the F1 community, I think he can still be part of the F1 community in a pretty meaningful way. He is really, really loved in Texas, and I think he likes it here.
"And so I would hope that he makes himself available more to the fans than he would otherwise be if he had an obligation in the car. I hope he is still coming here, because we have got a lot of people who would love to shake his hand or get his autograph or take a picture - just see him around town. We will keep him busy," he added.
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An appearance from Ricciardo would also give F1 fans a chance to properly pay tribute to his career, after many were left disappointed in the manner of Ricciardo's exit from the sport.
Topics: Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren, Oscar Piastri
Tom Jenkins