F1 Japanese GP: Daniel Ricciardo admits he won’t be on F1 2023 grid, eyes 2024 comeback
The Australian had his 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果𓆏历史:🐠contract with McLaren terminated early so that 2021 Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri could take his seat alongside168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史: Lando Norris next season.
Ricciardo’s options to remain in F1 were already limited but news of 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:Pierre Gasly’s move to Alpine has officially closed the door on a poss﷽ible return to Enstone.
With168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史: Nyck de Vries replacing Gasly at Al🌳phaTauri there are just two available seatꦡs left for nextꦺ year - at Haas and Williams.
Speaking to reporters after qualifying 11th at the Japanese Gꦦrand Prix, Ricciardo conceded a sabbatical from F1 in 2023 is✨ now “the reality”.
"Yeah, to be honest, the Gasly news ♏I was aware of, I knew they were they were talking for a while and I knew though they were very interested in Pierre,” said Ricciardo.
"Let's say I was prepared for that and no surprise so we were trying to, let's say navigate, our way around tꦜhat and figure out what was next.
"But 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.&nbsꦗp;
“I think 🥃that there could be some b✃etter opportunities then so that's really what all this confirms and now where the sights are set.”
Ricciardo said he plans “still to be involved in F1” amid speculation linking him with a 168澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果历史:reserve driver role at Mercedes, a position that is now open fol💙lowing de Vries’ full-time promotion next season.
The eight-time grand prix winner has a෴lready ruled out racing in another series outside of F1.
"Certainly the plan is still to be involved in F1," he explained. "It's kind of li♛ke just hitting pause for a little𝐆 bit, as I see it as far as my F1 career goes.
"The full intention is for '24 and sure it could open up opportunitꦯies to maybe do some of that stuff, but if I feel it's going to deviate ♛away from my target then I will still say it's not really where I'm looking.
"As fun or cool as it so🔯unds to compete in something else, the truth is mentally, I'm not there yet. I'm still so, so engaged in this and I think a bit of time off out of a seat will probably do me good.
"I woul🔯d probably use🍰 that than try to jump in something else and stay busy in a different category.
"I'd say pretty convincingly say it wou�ꦫ�ldn't happen anywhere else."
Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for ltxcn.top around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewi🉐s tells the storie😼s of the people who matter in the sport.
