Daniel Ricciardo could be on his way out of Formula 1 after 13 years, leaving the Australian to find a different racing career if he wants to continue.
The 35-year-old still has shown his undoubted talent and flashes of brilliance at various times throughout the 2024 season.
But, he’s failed to find a consistent rhythm and it looks set to cost him his seat in Formula 1 for at least 2025.
IndyCar, NASCAR, and WEC could all be options, but it begs two important questions – where does the ‘Honey Badger’ want to go, and where should he go?
Will Buxton wants to see Daniel Ricciardo conquer IndyCar ‘fear’
Ricciardo has already stated he is ‘scared’ by IndyCar, so that move doesn’t feel too likely in the near future.
But one example of a driver who changed his mind with regards to that is Romain Grosjean, who refused to race on ovals when he joined their sport, before altering his approach.
Will Buxton hopes that the Aussie comes to a similar conclusion, as he discussed on the F1 Singapore Grand Prix post-race show.
“I really hope it’s not the last we’ve seen of him in Formula 1. If it is, I hope he gets over his fear of IndyCar and goes to IndyCar.
“Because my word, he would light that sport up whatever he does, if indeed this is the end for him in Formula 1. I just hope he’s happy, that’s it.”
Will Ricciardo return to racing after he leaves Formula 1?
It’s currently unconfirmed whether Ricciardo has already stepped into a Formula 1 paddock for the last time.
However, there are nearly four weeks before the next grand prix in Austin – a race which he has adored through the years.
If he is to be replaced by Liam Lawson, he will have an extended winter break as he looks for his next opportunity in racing.
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The IndyCar season starts again in March, NASCAR in February, and the World Endurance Championship in February too.
Could a year away be beneficial to recharge his batteries and test out various formulae to test which he prefers?
Only time will tell, as the Aussie looks to find something which reignites his passion for racing to the same extent that Formula 1 once did.