Ricciardo not 'foaming at the mouth yet' for track return

Daniel Ricciardo admits he is not yet "foaming at the mouth" over the prospect of returning to the track.

After a difficult two-year spell at McLaren, Ricciardo has opted to spend the 2023 F1 season as a reserve driver for Red Bull whilst also taking some time away from racing.

Ricciardo's position will see him undertake a range of tasks alongside his reserve duties, including testing and simulator work as well as commercial activities.

When asked at Red Bull's RB19 launch event in New York if he will be pushing to take part in tests in order to stay race fit, the eight-time race winner suggested that he is keen but is not desperate to hit the track again.

Ricciardo prepared for testing

"I'm definitely keen to have a crack, just to even stay race fit, so the body doesn't go into complete shock when it hits five G's," Ricciardo told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"But also, if there was a test tomorrow, I'm still good. I'm happy to have a bit more time off.

"As the year progresses, I'm sure I'll put my hand up, but [I'm] not kind of foaming at the mouth yet. [I'm] still happy to ease into 2023."

Return to Red Bull

Ricciardo's new role marks a return to Red Bull following his exit from the Milton Keynes-based squad at the end of 2018.

When asked by RacingNews365.com how it felt to go back, the Australian explained: "I felt at home.

"[It felt] very familiar, but also I was like, "Oh, this team has grown in the last few years'.

"It's a beast, but [there was] certainly a familiar feeling."