Ricciardo denies 'done deal' Red Bull return

Daniel Ricciardo has denied reports a return to Red Bull for 2023 is 'a done deal'.

The Australian will not feature on the grid next year and is instead seeking a reserve driver role with a top team in a bid to potentially place himself in race-winning machinery in 2024.

On Saturday, Brazilian broadcaster Esporte Na Band claimed Ricciardo had made his decision and a return to Red Bull had been secured.

After growing up in the team's junior system, the 33-year-old spent five successful years competing alongside Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen in a period that yielded seven race wins.

Asked if his future was close to being decided, Ricciardo said: "Not really.

"There's nothing yet close or confirmed or anything. I can make something up but nothing new to tell you."

Pressed further on Red Bull being "a done deal", he added: "It's not, I can tell you now. Nothing is done.

"Look, as I have said before, I have nothing to hide.

"From even a contractual point of view in terms of, I guess I'm free to talk and whatever but there's nothing done.

"If something was done, trust me, I'd be saying it. So there's nothing holding that back."

Related

Latest F1 News

RB driver admits FRUSTRATION building over current role

• Yesterday 22:12

Latest F1 News

Ricciardo HITS BACK at critics in sweary blast

• Yesterday 15:29