The requests for McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo to make an American move continue with another former F1 driver asking him to switch sports.
The Australian confirmed ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix that he wouldn't be racing in F1 next season after failing to find a seat. The eight-time F1 race winner had his contracted ended a year early by McLaren after struggling for form this season and has failed to find an alternative.
Following his announcement former Lotus and Haas F1 driver Romain Grosjean has asked Ricciardo to make a switch to the IndyCar Series. Grosjean joined the American series last year and has had success with four podiums and one pole position.
Motorsport.com asked their Twitter followers: "With Daniel Ricciardo confirming that he won't be on the #F1 grid in 2023, what would you like to see him do next year?" In reply Grosjean said he would like to welcome Ricciardo to the American Indycar series. He wrote: "Would love to see @danielricciardocome in @IndyCar 100"
Despite Williams and Haas having seats open for next season Ricciardo seemed to rule out them options ahead of this week's Japanese GP.
He said: "I think the reality is now I won’t be on the grid in 2023. I think it's now just trying to set up for 2024. I think there could be some better opportunities then. So that's really what all this confirms, and now where the sights are set."
It was previously reported that Ricciardo was offered a place to race in NASCAR next season with the team who signed former F1 world champion Kimi Raikkonen expressing an interest.
Australian site The Herald Sun claimed that Trackhouse Racing Project 91 boss Justin Marks had contacted Ricciardo to enquire about if he would be interested in a switch to join Raikkonen in the team.
The McLaren driver could be drawn to spend a year in America with his girlfriend Heidi Berger, who is a student at New York University. The Australian recently told the Fitzy and Wippa podcast: “I’m in love, I got a good thing going, so yeah. I’ve got a good balance in life right now. I think love eliminates stress, yeah absolutely.”
Another option is taking a reserve seat in F1 and Ricciardo is apparently in 'advanced stage' negotiations to join Mercedes
