Daniel Ricciardo saw a bitter separation from F1 after McLaren decided not to extend their alliance. The Australian race driver sees himself without a drive for the 2023 season.
He had opportunities with Haas and Williams to get a driving seat. So not driving next year is his deliberate decision. Yet he doesn’t want to stay fully away from F1 and has signed up for the third driver role at Red Bull.
“It’s great to have Daniel in the team” 👊
Sergio Perez gives his thoughts on Daniel Ricciardo joining Red Bull from next season 👇pic.twitter.com/j44CSzGfgh
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 10, 2022
He has constantly reiterated his need to take a break. That’s why Ricciardo didn’t say much against his axing from the team and limited opportunities for himself.
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Doors are always open for Daniel Ricciardo
Parting ways with Ricciardo was difficult for McLaren claims team boss Zak Brown. He claims that the Australian was such a good professional to work with that his exit felt bad, and that’s why he will always be welcomed back.
“The door remains open for him to be in some McLaren in the future, if the stars align, I’d love to go racing with him again,” said Brown in a video by McLaren on Youtube.
The Australian race driver had one year left with McLaren after the 2022 season. The Woking-based team chose to release that year by paying $10 million to Ricciardo and signing his compatriot Oscar Piastri in return.
What will the 33-year-old do next year?
The Australian race driver has revealed that he would do minimal racing in the 2023 season. That too only if an opportunity arises to race for Red Bull next year.
Till then, he has decided to make the maximum out of the break and give himself to things that will make him relax. He has also talked about a trip across the United States on his motorbike.
While he is also pinning his hope on 2024 to make his return, he’s still not sure. He has claimed that he will also make a thoughtful decision during his trip to America in 2024.
Meanwhile, that also depends on the reality of F1 after 2023 too. He could end up getting no seat or only in a low-ranked team. But his reputation as an eight Grand Prix winner will always come in handy to him.
Also read: World Champion Max Verstappen hesitates to call Sergio Perez good on street circuits
