SUZUKA, Japan – Daniel Ricciardo shouldn’t be anticipated to race in Method One subsequent 12 months after information that Pierre Gasly has signed a brand new multiyear contract with Alpine in 2023.
Ricciardo’s McLaren contract is about to run out a 12 months sooner than deliberate on the finish of this season, when the workforce signed Oscar Piastri as his alternative for summer season 2023.
It initially appeared like Ricciardo may fill a gap at Alpine to interchange Fernando Alonso, who is about to maneuver to Aston Martin in 2023, however after Gasly’s announcement on Saturday, Ricciardo stated he must take a 12 months. Anticipate to spend on shore.
“Yeah, to be sincere, I knew in regards to the Gasly information, I knew they’d been speaking for some time and I knew that though they have been very focused on Pierre,” he stated. “Suppose I used to be up for it and there have been no surprises, so we have been attempting, to illustrate, navigate, work our approach round that and discover out what was subsequent.
“However I believe the truth is that I’ll now not be on the grid in 2023, I believe it is simply attempting to arrange for 2024 now. I believe there could also be some higher alternatives, so actually I verify all of it and now the place the sights are set.”
Ricciardo’s feedback successfully dominated out any risk of becoming a member of Haas or Williams subsequent 12 months, that are the one two groups with out two drivers contracted for 2023.
The Australian, who has beforehand expressed curiosity in a reserve function in a prime workforce throughout his 12 months, stated he would stay a part of F1 reasonably than race in one other sequence.
“Actually the plan continues to be to be included in F1,” he stated. “It is type of a bit like stalling, as I take a look at it as my F1 profession.
“The entire intention is for ’24 and certain it may in all probability open up alternatives to do some stuff, but when I believe it is going away from my purpose I would nonetheless say it is probably not that place. the place I’m wanting
“As enjoyable or cool because it sounds to compete in one thing else, the reality is mentally, I am not there but. I am nonetheless there, so engaged in it and I believe a A bit of day off the seat will in all probability do me good.
“I would in all probability use it as a protest [to get back in F1] As an alternative of attempting to leap into one thing else and have interaction in a distinct class.
“I’d say very confidently that it will not occur wherever else.”