“Never say never” to Red Bull F1 return - Ricciardo

Renault Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo says he would “never completely disregard something” and has refused to rule out a potential return to Red Bull in the future.

The Australian shocked the F1 paddock when he made the bombshell announcement that he would be leaving Red Bull to join midfield leaders Renault in 2019.

Ricciardo is one of the most high-profile drivers out of contract at the end of the year, along with reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

Asked whether he would ever consider rejoining Red Bull at some point in his career on the Sky Sports F1 Vodcast, Ricciardo replied: “I actually haven't really been asked that one!

"Would I ever rule out going to Red Bull? No... I think something I've learned growing up in life is never say never.

"Never completely disregard something - unless it's going to prison or something! So never say never.”

Ricciardo has been linked with a move away from Renault after a frustration maiden campaign at the French manufacturer, in which the team slipped to fifth in the constructors’ championship behind midfield rivals McLaren.

Despite the racing hiatus caused by the ongoing global coronavirus crisis, Ricciardo admitted that talks about his future have effectively been put on hold for the time being.

"It is hard having chats right now, because we are at a stalemate - nothing's really happened," he added. "Normally chats start to come off the back of races, results and momentum.

"There's honestly not a lot to talk about for now, it's more about the current situation and how we're going to deal with it. It's all pretty slow and steady to be honest at this stage."

But Ricciardo, who claimed seven grand prix victories at Red Bull  insisted he can still reach the same levels he hit back in 2018: “What I've done in the past I certainly 100% know I can do it again.”