Formula 1

F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo Confirms He “Won’t Be On The Grid In ’23.”

It was announced earlier in this F1 season that McLaren driver, Daniel Ricciardo’s, contract would be ending at the end of the 2022 season.

Since the news was revealed, there has been a lot of speculation over where the Australian might be placed next. It was thought he might move back to Alpine or maybe even Haas. However, now that the news of Pierre Gasly moving to Alpine has come out, Ricciardo has confirmed that he will not be on the F1 grid for the 2023 season.

The Australian fan-favourite explained when he was asked if Pierre Gasly’s announcement would effect his hopes for the upcoming season:

“The Gasly news I was aware of,”

“I knew they were they were talking for a while, and I knew they were very interested in Pierre. Let’s say I was prepared for that, and no surprise.

“We were trying to let’s say navigate our way around that, and figure out what was next. But I think the reality is now I won’t be on the grid in ’23.

“I think it’s now just trying to set up for ’24. I think that there could be some better opportunities then. So that’s really what all this confirms, and now where the sights are set.”

Ricciardo was asked by Press if he would consider a different motorsport, such as NASCAR but Ricciardo went on to emphasise that his focus would remain on F1. He said:

“Certainly, the plan is still to be involved in F1. I’d say this is kind of like just hitting pause for a little bit, as I see it, let’s say, as far as my F1 career goes. It’s like the full intention is for ’24.

“Sure, it could open up opportunities to maybe do some of that stuff, but if I feel it’s going deviate away from my target, then I will still say it’s not really where I’m looking, and as fun and cool, to compete in something else.

“The truth is mentally I’m not there yet. I’m still so engaged in this, and I think like a bit of time out of a seat will probably do me good.

“So I would probably use that, as opposed to trying to jump in something else and stay busy in a different category. I’d say pretty convincingly, it wouldn’t happen anywhere else.”

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