Joe Portlock- Formula 1Getty Images
- McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is being replaced next season by reigning F2 champion Oscar Piastri.
- Ricciardo recently said that a sabbatical next year was a possibility,
- The driver said that he might even consider what many would deem a humiliating demotion to reserve driver status.
McLaren Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo says he would consider a demotion to reserve driver status next year if it keeps his foot in the F1 door.
The Australian also recently said that a sabbatical next year was a possibility, and admitted to rival Sergio Perez last week in Zandvoort that he could indeed take a year off. 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.
“I’m pretty open minded with any scenario,” said the 33-year-old Ricciardo, 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 replacing Ricciardo with a much younger Australian next year—the reigning Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri whose departure from the Alpine driver program was highly controversial and contested.
Ricciardo admits he met up with Piastri’s manager and former Red Bull F1 driver Mark Webber at Zandvoort, who apologized 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 okay.”
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 what many would deem 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.”
