The Aussie driver is committed to returning to the sport in 2024 and has acknowledged that some time away from the track could be beneficial.
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The departing McLaren driver, Daniel Ricciardo, is not guaranteed a seat on the grid for next year, but he has stated that he intends to stay involved in the sport in preparation for a return to F1 in 2024. While he is thought to be in talks with Red Bull, Mercedes is the frontrunner to sign the Australian as their third driver. Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff stated ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. “I think Daniel is speaking to a few teams about a potential role, also Red Bull. For us, we very much like him, he’s a great character but we are not in a position yet who is going to be our third driver.”
When asked what will he be expected when he joins the squad and what will he add more to a team, to which Wolf said “Personality, and he’s been around for a long time. He knows these cars inside out so that could be really advantageous. But I don’t want to put any rumours out there because we haven’t decided.” Expressed the Mercedes team boss.
Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix champion, entered McLaren in 2021 but has had trouble keeping up with teammate Lando Norris. At Monza, he gave the team their lone victory of the previous campaign, but he ultimately came in 45 points behind Norris in the drivers’ standings. And for the former Red Bull man, this year has been even harder. Only six times has Ricciardo finished in the points, scoring 35 to Norris’ 111. Ricciardo, who has acknowledged some time away from the car could be beneficial, is nonetheless adamant about returning to the sport in 2024.
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The Australian driver is committed to returning to the sport in 2024 and has acknowledged that some time away from the track could be beneficial. “I can confidently say that I won’t be on the grid behind a wheel [next year]. But I still want to be in the sport, and I want to be working with a team still with the ambition to be back on the grid in 2024. I feel like a bit of time away from a race seat will do me good, and then try to rebuild on something for 2024. I’m not done but it will look a bit different.” Exclaimed Ricciardo.
