F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo has 'accepted' idea of a year out from F1

Daniel Ricciardo says he has come to terms with the idea that he might spend a year away from Formula 1 in 2023.

The outgoing McLaren driver was linked to a return to Alpine for next season when the news broke of Fernando Alonso's move from the French outfit to Aston Martin.

But there has since been little or no mention of such a scenario unfolding for Ricciardo. Potential seats remain up for grabs at Williams and Haas, but again, other drivers than the Aussie appear to be first in line for those opportunities.

The idea of Ricciardo taking a sabbatical from F1 now seems to be at the forefront of the Aussie's plans for 2023.

"I’ve certainly accepted if I’m not to be on the grid next year, I’m okay with that," said Ricciardo, quoted by Fox Sports.

"I’ve accepted I’m not going to do everything, or my [management] team’s not going to do everything, just to put me on the grid if it’s not right or it doesn’t make sense.

"Obviously this year’s been challenging and if I am on the grid, I want to know it’s [at] a place I can enjoy it and feel like I can thrive, an environment I feel I can thrive in.

"I don’t want to just jump into a car for the sake of it."

At Monza last weekend, Ricciardo looked set to end his three-race points drought with McLaren. But a water leak that broke out on his McLaren MCL36 just eight laps from the checkered flag while he was running a solid P8 put him out of contention.

"Days like this certainly are pretty frustrating," said Ricciardo after the race.

"But give it 24, 48 hours and I’ll get over it and try to understand what’s best for next year.

"Not in an over-confident or cocky way, but if it’s not meant to be then I’m totally okay with that. I won’t be too proud.

"We haven’t certainly given up on [getting a seat] but that’s kind of where my head’s at, at the moment."

With six races to go in the 2022 season, Ricciardo currently sits 14th in F1's Drivers' standings, or 69 points and seven positions behind teammate Lando Norris.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Sainz confident he’d ‘work well’ with Verstappen at Red Bull

Carlos Sainz believes that a potential partnership with Max Verstappen at Red Bull would have…

1 hour ago

Grosjean proud of Komatsu success with Haas: ‘It’s fantastic!’

Romain Grosjean has shared heartfelt praise for his longtime friend and former Haas race engineer,…

3 hours ago

An F1 journeyman made of the right stuff

Former F1 driver Brett Lunger, who turns 79 on this day, is pictured here hitching…

4 hours ago

Formula 1 extends Monaco Grand Prix deal until 2031

Formula 1 has announced a new agreement with the Automobile Club de Monaco that will…

5 hours ago

Las Vegas GP ready to roll the dice on Verstappen title celebration

The Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers are ready to put together an epic championship celebration…

6 hours ago

Herbert expects McLaren driver dynamic to ‘swap over’ in 2025

Ex-F1 driver and current FIA steward Johnny Herbert believes the 2025 season will bring a…

7 hours ago