Daniel Ricciardo coy about being contacted by Guenther Steiner: ‘Maybe’

Daniel Ricciardo coy about being contacted by Guenther Steiner: ‘Maybe’

Guenther Steiner (L) Daniel Ricciardo (R)

With Daniel Ricciardo‘s departure from Formula 1 being announced, many have wondered where the Australian will choose to go. McLaren had apparently wanted to send him to IndyCar as part of their roster, but Ricciardo wanted to stay in Formula 1. As it is, he is currently out of a seat at the end of the season, but there are a few options.

Alpine are understood to be the frontrunners for the Australian’s signature, but Esteban Ocon has publicly said that he prefers it to be Mick Schumacher. Mick Schumacher’s contract at Haas, which has not yet been renewed, expires in 2023. Guenther Steiner and Haas seem to be rather relaxed about it all as well.

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While at this moment, Daniel Ricciardo going to Alpine seems the more likely option, it is hard to rule out a move to Haas, as per reports, Guenther Steiner had contacted him to discuss the same, where he would presumably replace Mick Schumacher. When asked about this recently, Ricciardo was not very forthcoming but did not deny it either.

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Also Read: Daniel Ricciardo set to leave McLaren at the end of the 2022 season

Where will Daniel Ricciardo end up?

Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo is in a rather finicky situation right now. It was his performances that were the ‘driving’ factor behind him and McLaren parting ways. The main culprit that has always been considered is that the car did not suit him, but then the question becomes, how long can that really be the reason?

While it is obvious that the Australian needs to improve his performances, he has shown all what he can do at his best. He was fantastic for Renault in 2020 before his departure to McLaren, and a return to the team, now known as Alpine, is understood to be the ideal option. But that may not actually be possible.

Haas is considered to be the other option, and one can assume that Mick Schumacher may go the other way in this case. When asked if Guenther Steiner had given him a call pertaining to this by Sky Sports’ Rachel Brookes, Ricciardo was coy, and said: “Maybe.”

But if he does not get a seat this year, he is understood to be open to taking a sabbatical, as reported by F1Fall. But in any case, he does not want to leave Formula 1, and it is the only place where he wants to be racing:  “F1 is what I love, and it’s where I see myself if I’m doing any racing.”

He added: “But if the stars don’t align and it doesn’t make sense [to race] next year, and if it means taking that time off to reset and re-evaluate, then if that’s the right thing to do, I’m willing to do it.” 

Where will Ricciardo end up? That is the question on everyone’s lips at the moment, but we are no closer to any confirmation of his future. Everyone would like to see the ‘Honey Badger’ continue in Formula 1, especially so because of his personality. He also brings a huge fanbase to any team, and that is always an asset.

Also Read: “He deserves a place in the sport,” Lewis Hamilton hopes to see Daniel Ricciardo in F1 next year

Also Read: “I still have that fire in me”: Daniel Ricciardo talks about his Formula 1 career after McLaren exit