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The situation is now that I won’t be on the starting grid next year, says Ricciardo – F1sport.cz

Daniel Ricciardo had a contract with McLaren, but the team agreed with him at an early end. He will be replaced by Oscar Piastri next year.

Teams AlphaTauri and Alpine have confirmed their rider line-ups for next year. The vacant seat is available at Williams, where the team confirmed Latifi’s departure. There could also potentially be a Haas seat. In both cases, however, they are talking about drivers other than Daniel Ricciardo.

“I knew about Gasly,” Ricciardo said when asked if the news would affect his hopes.

“I knew they had been dealing for a while and I knew they were very interested in Pierre. Let’s just say I was prepared for it, it wasn’t a surprise. We tried to get our bearings and figure out what would happen next. But I think the reality now is that I won’t be on the grid in 2023.”

“Now we’re trying to prepare for 2024. I think there might be some better opportunities then.”

Asked by Motorsport.com if he could use next year to try out a series such as NASCAR, Ricciardo stressed that he wants to remain focused on F1 even if he is not racing.

“The plan is definitely to continue participating in F1. I would say it’s kind of a little break in my career in F1. They are targeting the year 24.”

Ricciardo admitted it would be fun to try racing elsewhere, but ultimately wouldn’t go for it if he felt it would derail him from his goal.

“A bit of time without the seat will probably do me good,” Ricciardo said. “I’m going to use 2023 to do that instead of trying to go somewhere else or trying to be active in another series. I’m pretty sure that won’t happen.’

There is speculation that Ricciardo could be Mercedes’ reserve driver.

The Australian made his F1 debut in 2011 with HRT. He then drove for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Renault and is now in his second year at McLaren. He won 8 in 227 starts so far.

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