F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo – “I don’t want to just jump into a car for the sake of it”

Daniel Ricciardo was one of the losers from this summer’s F1 driver market shake-up, as he remains without a contract for 2023.

The Australian has enjoyed tremendous success in the sport, but now finds himself searching for a lifeline to continue racing in F1 after being replaced at McLaren by Oscar Piastri.

Speaking to the media after the Italian GP, as quoted by racingnews365.com, Ricciardo spoke very candidly about his future:

“I’ve certainly accepted if I’m not to be on the grid next year, I’m okay with that.

“I’ve accepted that I’m not going to do everything, or my [team] is not going to do everything just to put me on the grid if it’s not right, or it doesn’t make sense. 

“If I am on the grid, I want to know that it’s a place that I can enjoy and feel that I can thrive in, so I don’t want to just jump into a car for the sake of it.”

Ricciardo’s departure from McLaren puts him in an awkward position, with Alpine representing the only team in the top half of the standings with a vacancy.

Unfortunately for the 33-year-old, all reports indicate that Pierre Gasly is the favourite to join the French squad, leaving Ricciardo with limited options.

Haas and Williams have available seats, but the 8-time race winner seems unlikely to be enthusiastic about committing himself to a lower-midfield team.

At least for now, Ricciardo appears at peace with his current situation.