The Australian said goodbye to F1 in Abu Dhabi, for now
He points out that being a Red Bull reserve driver is his best option
Daniel Ricciardo ended his time as a McLaren driver yesterday and said goodbye, at least momentarily, to Formula 1. The Australian assures that he needs a season off, but he wants to remain linked to the ‘Great Circus’ and confesses that the most likely option for this be Red Bull.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was full of farewells, including that of Daniel Ricciardo. The driver has finished his contract with McLaren and will take 2023 as a “off” year.
“I knew that I needed some rest time of racing and competition”, Ricciardo assured in statements published by the web portal Motorsport.com.
“Obviously the last two years have been quite exhausting, so it was clear that this was what I wanted and that it was going to be the best for me,” explained the Australian.
But Ricciardo’s main goal is to return to Formula 1 in the future. For this reason, he believes that becoming Red Bull reserve driver Is the best option.
“So, it was: ‘What is the best option? And the more I thought regarding it, the option of being involved to a certain extent with a superior team was the preference,” he said.
Rumors regarding his transfer to the Austrian team have been constant in recent days. In fact, Helmut Marko, a Red Bull adviser, stated that Ricciardo would be his third driver in 2023although the Australian has denied that he has already signed.
“But it’s not done. That’s why I haven’t gone out and confirmed it, because that’s still the truth: it’s not done,” he said.
“Although I can obviously look you in the eye and say that is the most likely option at this stage,” said Ricciardo.
Riciardo’s two seasons at McLaren have not been easy and he has not achieved the expected results, but for him, the good times still weigh more.
“Last season it was quite difficult, but this season it was more difficult,” he said.
“As many ups and downs I go through in racing, I’m still very happy with this life and privileged to be able to live it. So if next year I’m not interested in coming back, it’s because I must be doing some really cool shit.” teased the Australian to close.
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