Daniel Ricciardo could have faced the possibility of returning to Alpine in 2023, after Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer confirmed discussions took place between the team and the Australian. The team was left scrambling for their second driver after initially confirming Oscar Piastri when Fernando Alonso announced his departure midway through the season, but the Australian subsequently denied the move on social media. Alpine were later at the centre of a contract dispute with Piastri and McLaren over his services for 2023, with former F2 champion eventually going on to race alongside Lando Norris after the Contract Recognition Board ruled in McLaren's favour.
Szafnauer: I wouldn't be surprised if he is racing in the future
It was thought that a move back to Alpine would be difficult for Ricciardo, given his slightly unamicable split with the team at the end of 2020, when the Enstone-based team raced under the Renault badge. But Szafnauer confirmed that they did look at him as an option before Pierre Gasly became available. "We had discussions with Daniel, but ended up with Pierre when he became available," he told media, including RacingNews365.com . "He’s signed with Red Bull now but I think he’s a fantastic racing driver, he’s still young, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s back racing in the future.”
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