Daniel Ricciardo did not have a strong connection with any of the available seats, but on Saturday he confirmed he will not be driving next season after the Alpine F1 Team announced the signing of Pierre Gasly.
Williams and Haas F1 Team still have two seats. As for Williams, Logan Sargent should take his seat if he secures a super license for the F2 finale in Abu Dhabi. Nico Hulkenberg and Antonio Giovinazzi are the main contenders for the Haas F1 team, with Hulkenberg appearing to be the top driver candidate.
Daniel Ricciardo’s interest turned to a possible sabbatical and a possible contract with a top team (Mercedes) as a potential reserve driver a few weeks ago.
We still had discussions with Mercedes, but it is understood that he will no longer take on the role of reserve driver.
“I knew the news about Gasly,” Daniel Ricciardo said when asked if Gasly’s announcement had affected his hopes.
“I knew they had been talking for a while and I knew they were very interested in Pierre. Let’s just say I was ready. No surprises.”
“We were trying to get around that and figure out what would happen next, but I think the reality now is that we won’t be on the grid in 2023.”
“We are now looking to organize it for 2024 and I think we may have a better opportunity then, so this is really all we have to announce and what we are aiming for for now.”
Asked if it would be possible to try a series like NASCAR next year, Daniel Ricciardo stressed that he would like to stay focused on F1 even when he’s not racing.
“For sure the plan is still to get into Formula 1. As for my career in Formula 1, I think it’s a bit of a pause. The intention is 2024”.
“I’m sure it will open up the opportunity for me to do some of these things, but if I feel it deviates from my goals, I’ll say it’s not where I’m looking, it wouldn’t be fun or cool to compete elsewhere.”
“The truth is that mentally I’m not there yet. I’m still very busy in Formula 1 and I think it will probably work if I get up from my seat for a while.”
“So instead of jumping into something else and trying to keep busy in another category, maybe they’ll try to use it. Convincingly enough, it’s everywhere. It’s not going to happen.”
