Guenther Steiner leaves Hass F1’s door open for Daniel Ricciardo in 2024

The eight-time GP winner Daniel Ricciardo might be in demand for the 2024 season according to Haas team principal Guenther Steiner.

Guenther Steiner leaves Hass F1’s door open for Daniel Ricciardo in 2024

Guenther Steiner. Daniel Ricciardo. Images via Twitter.

Guenther Steiner, the Haas team principal, is open to hiring Daniel Ricciardo for the 2024 season. During the press conference in Melbourne, Steiner hinted that he would be open to talking to Ricciardo about his F1 career. The Australian’s contract with McLaren was cut short a year early last season. And he was announced as Red Bull’s third driver for the 2023 season. However, he does not have a seat on the grid. 

Ricciardo opted to take a year off from full-time racing. But, the 33-year-old is thinking of a comeback for the 2024 season. The Australian stated during his media appearances in Albert Park, “the signs are pointing towards getting back on the grid.” While it is now clear that the eight-time Grand Prix winner wants to return, he will have to find a suitable team for himself. Guenther Steiner looks interested in signing Ricciardo for the next season. 

Steiner stated, “It’s a little bit early to speak about a driver change already for next year. So let’s see how we are doing with these drivers and, for sure, at some point maybe I speak with him but I cannot promise anything because if our two guys do a good job.” He further added that everyone on the grid would be interested in Ricciardo.

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Guenther Steiner wants to give his drivers a good chance before looking elsewhere

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Guenther Steiner. Image via Haas.

“But for sure, everybody is wanting to speak with Danny after a year off — maybe he knows again what he wants to do and he will be interesting for everybody in Formula 1. But at the moment I have a new driver this year that has done only two races, so I need to give him a little bit of a chance.” Steiner wants to give Nico Hulkenberg some time to prove his worth. 

Guenther Steiner is certain Ricciardo will have other suitors for the 2024 season. The French outfit, Alpine, might lean towards the Australian if their new driver pairing of Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon does not work out. However, it seems unlikely as of now. Otmar Szafnauer revealed that he spoke to Ricciardo last season. It was before Alpine signed Gasly.

The Alpine team boss believes Ricciardo is a fantastic driver and is still young. He has not ruled out the possibility of the Australian’s return to F1 in the future. Steiner is also aware of Ricciardo’s potential. However, in a clip in the Netflix series, Drive to Survive, he revealed that Daniel Ricciardo demanded $10 million to join Haas for the 2023 season. Things might be different next season. There is a long way to go, and Ricciardo will decide by then if he wants to continue racing in Formula 1. 

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