F1 star Daniel Ricciardo stressed he needs a break from the sport after a tumultuous 2022 campaign. The Australian’s McLaren contract was cancelled earlier this year and he will leave the team once the season comes to an end.
As rumours swirled for weeks regarding his future, the 33-year-old confirmed in Japan he will not be part of the grid next season. Not only were there a limited number of seats available on the sport for 2023, but Ricciardo admitted he welcomes the year off to rest and recharge after an underwhelming season where he sits just 12th in the drivers standings.
"It's something I've certainly evaluated since the summer break," the eight-time F1 race winner shared. "I wanted to give it a few races and the more time that passes, the more I feel like it's what I need. Albeit as well the opportunities... there's not really anything in the form of next year!
"It's part I would like the break and need to reset a little bit, and part 2024 as well, some other things may open up." Alpine reserve driver and Ricciardo’s compatriot Oscar Piastri has been confirmed as his replacement, though not without controversy.
Alpine had hoped to promote their youngster as Fernando Alonso 's heir after it was announced the Spaniard will replace Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin. However, the 21-year-old denied he had agreed to become a full-time driver under Alpine's banner after announcing he would replace Alonso.
Piastri said a "breakdown in trust" between him and Alpine was behind his decision to leave the Enstone-based team. Following his extended break, Ricciardo is keen to return to the sport in 2024 and has no intention to race for another series next year.
He plans to spend more time in his native Australia and could be in the mix to land a spot as Mercedes’ reserve driver in the future. "I think that there could be some better opportunities in 2024, so that's really what all this confirms and now where the sights are set," added Ricciardo during the Japanese GP weekend.
"Certainly the plan is still to be involved in F1. It's kind of like just hitting pause for a little bit, as I see it - and let's say as far as my F1 career goes the full intention is [to be driving] for '24."
Ricciardo will aim to finish the current season on a high, and will aim to have a solid US Grand Prix this Sunday.
