Daniel Ricciardo has given his strongest indication yet that he won’t feature in the driver’s seat during the 2023 Formula One season, saying he’ll wait for “better opportunities” the following year.
With news coming through earlier on Saturday that Pierre Gasly would be joining Alpine for next season, potential landing spots for Ricciardo have practically dried up.
After it was confirmed in August that his time with McLaren would come to an end after this season, the Australian has now made peace with waiting for a better opening than the two – at Haas and Williams – that are still available for 2023.
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“I think the reality is now I won’t be on the grid in 2023. I think it’s now just trying to set up for 2024,” Ricciardo told reporters in Tokyo.
“I think there could be some better opportunities then. So that’s really what all this confirms, and now where the sights are set.”
While some have wondered if this is the end for the popular Australian, who debuted in F1 back in 2011, he said that he has no desire to walk away from the sport.
“The plan is still to be involved in F1,” he said.
“It’s kind of just hitting pause for a little bit, as I see it, as far as my F1 career goes.
“The full intention is for 2024.”
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