Ricciardo admits to consider F1 reserve role in next season
Sep.7 - Daniel Ricciardo would consider a demotion to reserve driver status next year if it keeps his foot in the Formula 1 door.
The Australian also recently admitted a sabbatical next year was a possibility, and in a 'hot mic' moment from Zandvoort admitted to rival Sergio Perez that he could indeed take a year out.
But now, the axed-for-2023 McLaren driver said he might not simply take a season off, but instead remain connected with the sport as an official reserve.
Daniel Ricciardo
"I'm pretty open minded with any scenario," said the 33-year-old, who has won eight career grands prix.
"There's pros with having some time off as well, but then also staying active is good. That's why I kind of want to hear everything. Even if it's as reserve, I don't want to be too proud to say I'm too good for that."
McLaren is turning instead to a much younger Australian next year - the reigning Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri whose departure from Alpine was highly controversial and contested.
Ricciardo admits he met up with Piastri's manager Mark Webber at Zandvoort, who apologised for the saga.
"Obviously I know how this sport is - it's nothing personal to me," Ricciardo said. "He wanted to make sure that I knew that and understood that and just to make sure that I'm ok."
Ricciardo revealed that he has also spoken to 21-year-old Piastri and told him the situation is "nothing personal" and "I want him to have a good run in Formula 1".
But what comes next for Ricciardo - who drove for HRT, Toro Rosso and Red Bull before his career entered a decline with his moves to Renault and McLaren - might be a humiliating demotion to reserve driver status.
"I still definitely have the ability to love a project and they are things I will definitely give some thought to," he said.
"It could be something that sets me up better for the future and next year may be one of those years where I need a bit of patience. I wouldn't just give up on F1."
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"I still definitely have the ability to love a project and they are things I will definitely give some thought to," he said.
Fishing or Golf comes to mind, official reserve lol, the Hulk was fortunate, alas I fear you wont be..!
He is done as F1 driver. If I was him, I would go into entertainment. He probably can earn a lot of money there, with that smile of his.
What he said to Checo effectively confirms Haas & Williams are uninteresting prospects to him & he's recently got linked to a Mercedes reserve role, so very plausible.
"might be a humiliating demotion to reserve driver status."
I suppose humiliating to some but even as a reserve driver he's doing something we all would love.
That said, I feel he's done. You can only over sell yourself for so long before you have to prove it.
He may as well take the reserve drivers role at MB then he can slip into Hamilton’s seat and play the support role for George.
lol - if RB riccardo turns up he'll whip that pansy ass
Keep it warm for Leclerc too
Naw raced poorly for to many teams, count em ..! hes Toast in f1, go advertise toothpaste.
If gobbldy gook and self promotion were points Riccardo would be the 2022 world champion
Everything is to blame apart from his lackluster performances
Time to hang up the Hans device and stick to non loaded beer 🍺
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