Daniel Ricciardo, regardless of his wealth of expertise, hasn’t had the smoothest of rides throughout his Formulation 1 profession. And now confirmed to be ousted from McLaren to make means for recent Australian expertise Oscar Piastri, Ricciardo is hoping his F1 profession doesn’t diminish with it. Luckily, we may nonetheless see the Honey Badger in 2023, in response to experiences.
In line with Canal+ (by way of Fox Sports activities), Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was noticed stepping out of Mercedes’ hospitality suite on the latest Singapore Grand Prix, which noticed Ricciardo end in a powerful fifth place, forward of each Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes’ second driver, George Russell.
The French TV station alleges Ricciardo didn’t simply go to Mercedes to have a chat over some pretzels and bratwurst, however was as an alternative there to barter a possible reserve driver spot for the 2023 season.
In actual fact, it’s claimed the deal is all however confirmed. So, whereas we’re unlikely to see Daniel make look at many race weekends in 2023, he appears to see a reserve driver position at Mercedes as a extra profitable and engaging possibility than an precise driving seat at one of many groups decrease down the grid.
Earlier than this latest report, Ricciardo was doubtlessly going to take no less than a 12 months away from Formulation 1 in 2023. He was allegedly heard saying to Pink Bull driver, Sergio Perez, “I’ll take a 12 months off, then come again in 2024.” However he has additionally stated he’s nonetheless as in love with the game now as he was when he first entered F1.
Following the affirmation that Oscar Piastri would take Daniel’s seat at McLaren for the 2023 season – which itself was a whole and utter farce – hypothesis as to the place Daniel would find yourself in 2023 was rife.
The obvious choices for the racing driver from Perth, Western Australia, have been the likes of Haas and even Alpine (Ricciardo competed for the previous Renault crew, which grew to become Alpine) however given the marginally bitter relationship between the 2 events following Daniel’s departure for McLaren, it could not have been essentially the most fruitful of partnerships.
A reserve driver spot at Mercedes might be a genius transfer for Daniel. He’ll have entry to 1 undoubtedly one of many sport’s greatest ever groups – regardless of Mercedes’ lacklustre efficiency in 2022 – and gained’t have the strain to carry out on the very highest degree. Clearly, it will likely be unlucky to not see Danny Ric not racing at each race weekend, but when that sacrifice means he can proceed to carry his head excessive, we’re in full help.
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