Ricciardo not dismissing 'one-off' in another category in 2023

Daniel Ricciardo says he could enjoy a one-off experience in another category of racing next season, like in Australia's Supercar series, under certain conditions.

Ricciardo has come to terms with the fact that he won't be on the grid next season. But the outgoing McLaren driver wants to remain in the F1 paddock and has therefore set his sights on a reserve role with a top team for 2023.

As he contemplates a year on the sidelines and a full-time return to F1 in 2024, Ricciardo does not want to commit to another championship, ruling out for example a move to the NTT IndyCar Series.

But a one-off, potentially in his home Supercar series, could potentially appeal to the 33-year-old racer.

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"I guess I need to wait to see where I land next year," he told the media in Sao Paulo on Thursday.

"Obviously I'm talking about potentially a reserve role or whatever. Truth is, I haven't agreed to anything or signed anything yet.

"Then it comes to a question of, what am I allowed to do, is one thing, but ultimately, if I feel maybe doing a one-off will benefit me and keep me sharp or whatever.

"Then it's something I'll potentially look into."

The eight-time Grand Prix winner says he doesn't want to get involved in an experience that would possibly "distance" himself from F1.

Ricciardo has sampled Supercar machinery in the past. But a one-off outing in the category could possibly come courtesy of McLaren boss Zak Brown, a co-owner of Supercar outfit Walkinshaw Andretti United.

In 2020, Ricciardo said that he would love to race at some point in the future in the Bathurst 1000, the famous Supercars car event held on Australia's legendary Mount Panorama circuit in New South Wales.

"I'm kind of like, F1 is so different to maybe a touring car or something, that I don't know if it will kind of distance me more," he added. "So that's what I would need to work out.

"So yeah, tough. I don't want to say no yet to anything. But ideally, I'd get some days in an F1 car as opposed to trying to, let's say, get a seat somewhere else."

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