Daniel Ricciardo’s future has been the centre of hypothesis for months with the Aussie leaving a shocking possibility on the desk.
The West Australian star has already dominated out being on the System 1 grid in 2023, with hypothesis he’ll be a part of both Pink Bull or Mercedes in a reserve driver position.
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Scorching off the heels of a blistering seventh positioned end on the Mexico Grand Prix, many have questioned Ricciardo’s determination to take a yr off.
After information of his departure from McLaren was introduced, Ricciardo was fast to close down a transfer to affix McLaren’s IndyCar crew … however the Aussie isn’t taking a enterprise dwelling off the desk.
Forward of the Brazilian Grand Prix with nothing locked in forward of 2023, the Aussie was requested if he’d contemplate driving outdoors of F1 with Supercars used as the instance.
“I suppose I would like to attend to see the place I land subsequent yr,” he stated.
“Clearly I’m speaking about probably a reserve position or no matter. Reality is, I haven’t agreed to something or signed something but.
“Then it involves a query of, what am I allowed to do, is one factor, however in the end, if I really feel possibly doing a one-off will profit me, and maintain me sharp or no matter.
“Then it’s one thing I’ll probably look into.
“However I’m form of like, F1 is so completely different to possibly a touring automobile or one thing, that I don’t know if it would form of distance me extra. In order that’s what I would want to work out.
“So yeah, powerful. I don’t need to say no but to something. However ideally, I’d get some days in an F1 automobile versus attempting to, let’s say, get a seat elsewhere.”
Ricciardo’s determination to take a yr off from System 1, regardless of a seat being available to affix Guenther Steiner at Haas, earlier than a hopeful return in 2024 was questioned by former world champ Jenson Button.
“I suppose he didn’t need to drop too far down the grid and work with a crew that’s extra in the direction of the rear as a result of it’s tough for a driver coming from a crew that’s nearly successful races, at occasions, to all of a sudden know you’re combating for factors,” Button instructed Sky Sports activities.
“It’s powerful. However I nonetheless assume it could have been a greater transfer for him.
“Go right into a crew, work laborious, present individuals what you are able to do, in a automobile that possibly fits you a bit extra, after which individuals neglect what occurred the yr earlier than.
“That’s the difficulty now, individuals neglect how good Ricciardo is as a result of he’s had such a tough year-and-half or two years.
“However he has the expertise, and in a automobile that fits him, he would present his ability after which he has the chance to race in a prime crew once more. However sitting out? Folks simply bear in mind what occurred final yr. It’s a tough one and I actually battle to see him coming again to a aggressive crew after having a yr out.”
After ending seventh and incomes driver of the day for his efforts in Mexico, Ricciardo will flip his consideration to the second final race of the season in Brazil.
Ricciardo presently sits twelfth within the drivers standings, one level behind Sebastian Vettel however a distant 76 factors behind teammate Lando Norris.
The F1 season resumes on Monday, November 14 with the Brazilian Grand Prix, with lights out scheduled for 5am AEDT.
