Ricciardo teases F1 return: "There's unfinished business!"

Daniel Ricciardo says he will be in a position to return to the F1 grid next year, adding that he still has "unfinished business" in the sport.

A disappointing 2022 season saw Ricciardo lose his drive with McLaren, and with no other suitable race seats available for 2023, he instead took a reserve driver role at Red Bull, for whom he raced with distinction between 2014 and 2018, winning seven Grands Prix.

Ricciardo is not dovetailing his Red Bull reserve duties with any racing in other categories, and the Australian says he is enjoying his enforced break from F1.

"I'll be ready to put myself in a position to be back on the grid next year," Ricciardo told Sky F1.

"I am staying in shape, and I'm giving myself a bit of mental timeout.

"I love playing sports, I love being active, so I haven't allowed myself to get too out of shape.

"I'm really enjoying this year, and I think I will continue to enjoy it, but by next year, I think I'll certainly be eager to get back on the grid and compete."

Ricciardo itching to return to action

Owing to F1's restrictions on in-season testing, much of Ricciardo's work has been restricted to the Red Bull simulator, but the Australian added that he was set to get behind the wheel for real in July.

"I feel like there's still some unfinished business. I can't just continue to do the simulator," said Ricciardo.

"I'm going to jump in the car in July, so only a couple of months away, and I'll get to get back behind the wheel, and I'm sure that it will also really stimulate me and give me all those all those feelings back.

"I'm going to naturally want to put a bit of pressure on myself for that and try to remind the team that I can still do it, and we'll see where it goes."