Ricciardo team 'talking to pretty much everyone' for 2023

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Daniel Ricciardo says his management team is "talking to pretty much everyone" about his prospective plans for 2023, with the Aussie's first option being to remain on F1's grid next year.

Ricciardo and McLaren will part ways at the end of the current campaign when the Woking-based outfit replaces the Aussie with his talented countryman, 21-year-old Oscar Piastri.

Ricciardo alluded recently to the possibility of taking a step back from the sport next year and rebounding in 2024. But the 33-year-old says his 'Plan A' is to be racing next season, even if opportunities appear to be scarce.

Read also: Seidl 'absolutely convinced' Ricciardo can win again in F1

"I’m still keen to be part of F1, of course Plan A would be on the grid – but as I said, I don’t want to just jump at the first seat available," commented Ricciardo ahead of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

"My team is talking to pretty much everyone and they are having conversations. So we are just trying to put it all together and figure out what makes the most sense.

"We are just doing our due diligence and figuring out what’s best. Trying to see beyond next year, because for me I want be racing but also don’t want to be just looking at the next 12 months and not the next 24."

In theory, vacant seats still exist at Alpine, Williams and Haas. But it's unclear if any of the latter are genuinely interested in Ricciardo's services.

The Aussie has nevertheless said that committing to a smaller team is a realistic option.

"The conversations are private, but I would say there is still a lot of positivity out there and compliments," said the eight-time Grand Prix winner.

"I think a lot of people have been in this sport and seen how it works and there is a saying that you are only as good as your last race, but a lot of them appreciate that I haven’t forgotten how to do this.

"I’ve had some nice words put towards me, which also fills me with confidence to keep at it."

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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.