‘I’m pretty open to take a reserve role’: Daniel Ricciardo leaving no stone unturned to secure his future in F1 for 2023
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Daniel Ricciardo
It’s been a season to forget for Daniel Ricciardo, who has looked miles off the pace. It was bad enough that the Australian was struggling for speed, but the fact that he might end up without a seat in 2023 is just rubbing salt into the wound. While Lando Norris has been putting in some impressive performances, Daniel has not been able to get anywhere near a points finish.
This was becoming a growing concern for both Zak Brown and Andreas Seidl. McLaren finished 4th in the constructor’s championship in 2021, 120 points above nearest rival, Alpine. But, the tables have turned this year around as Alpine enjoys a 24 point lead going into the historic Italian GP. This meant certain decisions needed to be taken to steady the ship, which led to McLaren deciding to terminate Daniel’s contract a year before the contracted date.
With Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren already locking up their drivers for the foreseeable future, the options for Daniel Ricciardo are limited. We all know that Daniel still has the potential to drive for a championship winning team but he doesn’t have the performances to show for it off late. This means that the 8 time Grand Prix winner might have to work in the capacity of a reserve driver to secure his future in F1.
Also Read: ‘That should just never happen’: Christian Horner perplexed by Alpine-Oscar Piastri saga
Daniel Ricciardo believes he is open to offers to secure his place in F1
Daniel Ricciardo has spoke on the whole issue to clear the air. The Australian said, “I’m pretty open minded with any scenario. I think there’s pros and cons with all of it. There’s pros with having some time off as well, currently the 18 months I’ve had has been more challenging than not so maybe some time away would be good.”
“But then also staying active is good. That’s why I kind of want to hear everything. Even if it’s a reserve, I don’t want to be too proud to say I’m too good for that.”
“From 2017, every two years I’ve been with a different team. I don’t want to just sign something and think, wait now something else is there for 2024. So it’s probably not as simple as just getting somewhere on the grid next year.“
It’s a positive sign that Daniel Ricciardo is willing to put in efforts to stay in F1. The Australian definitely has the skill set to get back to winning ways but it also wouldn’t be wrong to say that it would be a gamble for the teams to put their money on him.
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Shubham Bajpai
(776 Articles Published)