Formula 1 | Ricciardo: Being out of F1 in 2023 will help his future prospects
Daniel Ricciardo has said he is confident that being absent from the Formula 1 grids in 2023 will help him return full time.
Ricciardo has claimed for a time that he will not be driving an F1 car next year, after agreeing to leave McLaren a year before his initial contract was concluded.
He confirmed this after turning down an offer from Haas F1 this weekend (read here). He has since been linked with a reserve role for the 2023 season, potentially with Mercedes F1 or his former team Red Bull.
Speaking after his impressive seventh place at the Mexico Grand Prix, Ricciardo hinted he would be much better off in that situation than starting in a small team.
« Honestly, being 3rd driver is where I have my head now. »
« I feel like some time away from a racing seat will do me good and then I’ll try to build something for 2024. Let’s say I’m not done with F1 but that will look a little different. »
« Without a doubt, the last two years have been quite difficult, especially when you put a lot of effort into it and it doesn’t come, it can get you down. »
« I know the value of a summer break, getting away gives you a different perspective. The way the seasons go by, it’s pretty relentless. »
« You don’t really get a chance to rebuild yourself. Everyone is different, but I really believe that’s a blessing in disguise. By doing less, I’ll get more. »
