Reports: Guenther Steiner contacted Daniel Ricciardo for the vacant seat at Haas despite Alpine being the frontrunners
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Guenther Steiner (L) Daniel Ricciardo (R)
Daniel Ricciardo is between a rock and a hard place right now. Even though his contract runs till the end of the 2023 season, McLaren and Oscar Piastri have been in discussions to bring the young Australian to the team for the 2023 season. The ensuing saga that has followed between Alpine and Piastri has been the subject of quite a bit of controversy.
As it stands, Ricciardo may not have a seat for the next season. His form at McLaren has been dismal and compared to teammate Lando Norris, it has been very disappointing. Neither party would have expected him to perform in this fashion, and it would be fair to say that Ricciardo has generally not met the expectations of the team, which is why they are in talks to replace him.
The Piastri rumours emerged a little time after Zak Brown had already seemed to confirm that Ricciardo will be staying at McLaren for 2023, but it does not look that way right now. But it seems all is not lost for the Australian, as he does have a few options. Alpine have a vacant seat and are reported to be interested in bringing Ricciardo back to the team, but there is also apparently another option – Haas.
Steiner called Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix
Haas’ current lineup features Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher. Magnussen is on a multi-year deal and is also the more experienced of the two. It would also be fair to say that he has performed better than the young German, even after having spent a year away from the sport.
Schumacher’s contract, however, expires at the end of 2022, and there has not yet been any agreement or clear announcement regarding his future. Things are up in the air. Schumacher started the season weakly compared to his teammate but gradually came into his own, scoring points in consecutive races in Britain and Austria.
As per reports by ESPN, Guenther Steiner had called Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, presumably to replace Schumacher at the team. However, it is very much considered a long shot. Schumacher’s current wages are much, much lower than what Ricciardo’s are, and Haas may have a hard time accommodating them.
All things indicate that Ricciardo is all but gone at McLaren, but it will be in very unlikely situation that he goes to Haas. It is understood that Alpine are the frontrunners. The Australian had impressed the team, back when they were known as ‘Renault’ and it may be time for a reunion.
Also Read: “He’s absolutely committed”: Andreas Seidl finds Daniel Ricciardo’s work ethics commendable
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Aniket Tripathi
(1002 Articles Published)