Author: Barkha Roy
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo is to make a special appearance in a Red Bull Formula 1 car during the 12 Hours of the Nurburgring in September. The driver used social media earlier this week to confirm his participation in the event, where he will test his skills on the famous Nordschleife track.
After leaving McLaren at the end of the 2022 season, Ricciardo opted to take a year off from racing in 2023 before returning to his former team, Red Bull, as third driver.
The Nurburgring has a long history in the world of Formula 1, having hosted several races until Nicki Lauda’s accident in 1976. Despite this, the circuit remained a favorite for other motorsport competitions, with the Porsche 919 EVO holding the lap record in 5:19.55. The iconic track is also known as ‘Green Hell’.
The Nordschleife track, located in Germany, has a significant legacy in motorsport. It has hosted F1 races since the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. In recent years, modern Formula 1 cars have also made their presence felt on the circuit. In 2013, Michael Schumacher took part in a demonstration driving a Mercedes, while Nick Heidfeld showed off his BMW Sauber on the track in 2007.
Daniel Ricciardo began his Formula 1 career in 2011 with Red Bull. He initially drove for Hispania Racing, before making the transition to Toro Rosso. He finally joined the beverage manufacturer’s senior team, where he had a productive tenure, including seven wins and several podiums. However, the driver soon moved to Renault and then McLaren. However, his two years with the Woking team did not yield the desired results.
Although Daniel Ricciardo won the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, he struggled to keep up with his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. This eventually led to Ricciardo’s departure from McLaren at the end of last season.
Ricciardo’s participation in the 12 Hours of the Nurburgring will certainly be a highlight of the event, as he puts his skills to the test on the iconic Nordschleife track in a Red Bull Formula 1 car.