Daniel Ricciardo has reportedly been given some hope with his F1 future in doubt following his struggles with McLaren. Since joining the team in 2021, the Aussie has struggled behind the wheel, collecting just one podium finish with victory at the Italian Grand Prix last season.
Amid his recent problems, Ricciardo's future at the Woking-based team has remained up in the air with fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri linked to replace him in 2023. If the eight-time Grand Prix winner is replaced though, there could still be a seat waiting for him elsewhere.
According to ESPN , Haas boss Guenther Steiner is said to be interested in the Australian and made contact with Ricciardo ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.
One aspect that could well hold a potential move back though, is the Aussie's lucrative wages with Ricciardo earning £15 million more than current Haas man Mick Schumacher. There could also be financial implications on McLaren's end, as the Woking-based setup will be forced to payoff their driver's mega-money deal if they want to move him on.
F1 expert Peter Windsor has explained it could cost McLaren £20 million to drop the 33-year-old. Speaking on his YouTube channel he said: "It will be a hit in the region of twenty million. Maybe more, or maybe less. Maybe they can negotiate it down or they can finance a seat for him somewhere else. In any case, that will be the key before everything can fall into place."
Whether McLaren decide to part ways with Ricciardo or not, he still believes he has plenty to offer on the grid. Speaking to speedcafe.com, he said: "I could probably keep going... I believe I still thrive off it because I still believe I belong ]in Formula 1] and can do it. That's what really gets me jacked.
"And the love of it, as well as knowing that any weekend that could be there (a win), like it could be around the corner, you know. The truth is, the highs you get are just so high because so much goes into it. So then the high and the reward is pretty amazing and pretty spectacular."
