Ricciardo confirms he will not be on the F1 grid next year
Oct.31 - Daniel Ricciardo has finally confirmed that he "won't be on the grid next year".
The eight-time grand prix winner turned down Haas' offer of talks about a 2023 race seat after losing his place at McLaren.
"I won't be on the starting grid next year, but I will be here because I have ambitious goals for 2024," the 33-year-old Australian said in Mexico.
Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo bump fists on the drivers parade prior to the 2022 F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort
It was rumoured that he would become Mercedes' reserve driver next year, replacing the AlphaTauri-bound Nyck de Vries.
But there are also rumours that he is in talks with Red Bull about a similar role for 2023.
"Discussions are ongoing, but nothing has been signed yet," Ricciardo said. "Nothing is guaranteed for 2024, but I will do everything I can to return."
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirms that talks are taking place - and he also thinks the former Renault and Red Bull driver is negotiations with "other teams".
"Also with Red Bull Racing," said the Austrian. "For us, we think he's a great character. But we are not yet ready to say who our third driver will be next season.
"His personality is an absolute strength, and Daniel has been with us for a long time - he knows these cars inside out," Wolff added. "That can definitely be an advantage.
"But I don't want to start any rumours here, because the truth is that we haven't decided yet."
Ricciardo was voted 'driver of the day' in Mexico after a series of overtakes en route to seventh at the flag - but Yuki Tsunoda was furious with the Australian for a collision.
"It annoys me so much that such an experienced driver tried to overtake in a corner where overtaking is basically impossible," said the Japanese.
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His fate for next season has been pretty evident for a good while, so nothing new in this regard, but Tsunoda couldn't be more spot-on.
The old racing adage - "You are what you drive" - applies here. Let's face it, there is a small pool of top-drawer drivers in sub-optimal cars.
Daniel got the short end of the stick when he tried to pass Tsunoda - but he made up or it in his subsequent drive. That was magical to watch. So, Daniel has the talent, no question about it. The stars need to align to get him in a Red Bull, Ferrari or Mercedes.
Once he gets a ride that makes him truly shine, he'll be a contender.
Had lots of chances and is currently being hammered by Norris some considered no more than average. Yes he got a smile but that doesn't get you WDC points.
Talent left him when money became more important.
Yuki left the door open, DR saw an opportunity, and to quote a driver considered by many to be the greatest of all time ~ if there is a gap, and you don't go for the gap, you are no longer a racing driver.
Nothing is impossible in this game!
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