Ricciardo says next F1 career decision can't be an 'emotional' one

Daniel Ricciardo is keeping an open mind about his future in F1, but the outgoing McLaren driver insists his next career decision can't be an "emotional" one.

Ricciardo will wait until the end of Formula 1's current triple-header, or until after next week's Italian Grand Prix, to sit down with his management team and consider his various options.

Currently, Alpine, Haas and Williams all have a seat to fill for 2023, but the Aussie hasn't dismissed the possibility to taking a year off from the sport.

"I'm certainly like trying to give them guidance," he said. "But everything is also too fresh. What I guess what you've got to be careful of, and this is just in general, is especially with a decision like this, nothing can be emotional.

"So that's why I kind of want to kind of speak about it once the triple header is finished. Spa was Spa, but all of a sudden, we're back into another weekend. So I probably won't get a chance to fully switch off and sit back until the end of the triple header.

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"So I'm not really telling them 'no', to anything for now. It's like, let's get everything there. And then after the triple header, maybe see what's available.

"And I'll probably know more where my head's at, and then start to maybe tick off and cross off some. I say it like there's going to be a million options. Probably not! But yeah, I'm being very open-minded."

While joining Alpine would likely allow the Aussie to remain among F1's top midfield contenders, Haas and Williams very much represent work-in-progress "projects" for Ricciardo.

But the eight-time Grand Prix winner isn't necessarily against getting involved in such an endeavor.

"I think because I still love it, I still definitely have the ability to love a project," he said.

"But of course, if it's like this kind of longer project, or this one where you're going to win tomorrow, I'm going go for the quick wins! They're things I will definitely give some thought to.

"And I don't also want to be too stubborn or short-sighted like, oh, no, I'm not interested in that. I will give everything its respected thought."

Ricciardo suggested that even a year out of the sport and a reserve role with a top team would potentially appeal to him.

"I'm pretty open-minded with any scenario," said the 33-year-old. "I think there's kind of pros and cons with all of it. I think there's pros with having some time off as well.

"So currently, that 18 months or so I've had has been more challenging than not, so maybe some time away, it would do me good, but then obviously, staying active is good.

"That's why I kind of want to hear everything. Even if it's reserve, like I don't want to be too proud to say, 'too good for that', or whatever. I just want to hear everything, and see what makes sense.

"And again, it could be something that sets me up better for the future. And next year is one of those years where it's just a bit of patience, maybe."

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