Daniel Ricciardo is without a drive for the 2023 season as McLaren has decided to split their ways. His compatriot and 2021 f2 champion Oscar Piastri is announced to replace him at the Woking-based team.
Ricciardo has also refused to be with the teams like Williams and Haas, the lower circle of the F1 grid, as they were the only teams to have vacancies this year.
As of now, the recent reports suggest Ricciardo can sign for any top team. However, the role would be limited to a reserve driver role, as the whole grid, except for Haas, looks sorted for the 2023 season.
Some lovely words for Sebastian Vettel from Daniel Ricciardo 🥰
Are you ready to say goodbye to these two at the end of 2022? 😢#F1 #Autosport #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/91QJnzEG9A
— Autosport (@autosport) November 13, 2022
Is Daniel Ricciardo returning to Red Bull?
Reportedly, Ricciardo is also in talks with Red Bull for the 2023 season. But with Sergio Perez signing a contract till 2024 and Max Verstappen being an untouchable figure, the Australian getting a driving spot over there is quite impossible.
But Red Bull chief Helmut Marko confirms they are talking with Ricciardo. And as expected, they are only willing to offer him a reserve driver role with his former team.
“We are in talks [with] Ricciardo. But that’s primarily the function of a reserve driver, simulator driver and various promotional appearances, without us making a fixed commitment regarding a [racing cockpit],” said Marko to ORF.
Ricciardo is also in contention to grab the reserve driver seat at Mercedes. That way, he would also be a reserve driver for his current team, McLaren and Aston Martin, as these teams having customer relations can use the reserve driver of the Silver Arrows.
8 GP winner can take a sabbatical
Ricciardo has been given regular appearances in F1 for over a decade. At that time, he established himself as a superstar of the sport. Even though he hasn’t won a championship in his prolonged career, his 8 GP wins are a testimony to his talent.
After this lengthy spell, Ricciardo may see his way out of the F1 grid. He has admitted that he isn’t ruling out a sabbatical from F1, as he requires some time off from the sport, even though he wants to be connected with it.
If he takes a sabbatical next year, he plans to have an impactful return in 2023. But would a sabbatical help him to rejoin the highly competitive F1 grid? That remains to be seen.
Also read: Ferrari reported to sack Mattia Binotto, Frederic Vasseur named a possible replacement
