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Ricciardo set for sabbatical 2023 as Haas makes offer

Daniel Ricciardo is set to spend the 2023 F1 season on the sidelines but Haas boss Guenther Steiner has opened his team's door to the Aussie for next season, just in case.

Ricciardo will conclude his tenure with McLaren in Abu Dhabi after a disappointing two-year term with the Woking-based outfit.

After Alpine's decision to hire Pierre Gasly as Fernando Alonso's replacement, only lower-tier outfits Williams and Haas have a seat on offer for 2023.

On paper, neither outfit is likely to appeal to Ricciardo, but Haas' Steiner says his door is open should the eight-time Grand Prix winner wish to discuss the future.

"If he’s interested in us, he’s not shy to call me up. I’m not going to chase him down," said Steiner. "I want him to decide what he wants to do for himself first, before being talked into something."

"For us, he would be a big hit. I rate him as a driver, but I think he needs to come clean with himself and decide what he’s going to do."

Ricciardo is likely to courteously decline Steiner's long shot proposition. For now, the Aussie is inclined to take a step back in 2023, hoping to take two steps forward in 2024, while a reserve role with Mercedes is also reportedly being discussed.

Read also:

Brown: Decision to drop Ricciardo the 'toughest thing I’ve had to do'

"It's something I've certainly evaluated since the summer break," he said.

"I wanted to give it a few races and the more time that passes, the more I feel like it's what I need. Albeit as well the opportunities... there's not really anything in the form of next year!

"It's part I would like the break and need to reset a little bit, and part 2024 as well, some other things may open up.

"I think that there could be some better opportunities in 2024, so that's really what all this confirms and now where the sights are set. Certainly the plan is still to be involved in F1.

"It's kind of like just hitting pause for a little bit, as I see it - and let's say as far as my F1 career goes the full intention is [to be driving] for '24."

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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.