Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that Formula 1's 2023 season will most likely kick off without him next on the grid March in Bahrain, but the Aussie says he's hopefully just "hitting pause for a little bit" on his career in F1.
The writing has been on the wall for the struggling McLaren driver for several weeks now regarding his prospects for next year.
The announcement in early August of Fernando Alonso's move from Alpine to Aston Martin left a vacant for 2023 at the Enstone squad, and Ricciardo's name was the first one to pop up as a potential replacement for the Spaniard.
But that hypothesis quickly dissipated as Alpine focused its efforts on securing the services of Pierre Gasly, a transfer that was confirmed on Saturday morning at Suzuka.
While open seats remain at Haas and Williams, it's unlikely Ricciardo spent much time debating the merits of joining either outfit. Therefore, a year on the sidelines has became inevitable.
©McLaren
"I knew they [Gasly and Alpine] were talking for a while, I knew they were interested in Pierre," he said after qualifying at Suzuka.
"I was prepared for that, and no surprise. We were trying to, let’s say navigate our way around that and figure out what was next.
"But I think the reality is now I won’t be on the grid in 2023. I think it’s now just trying to set up for 2024.
"I think there could be some better opportunities then. So that’s really what all this confirms, and now where the sights are set."
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Ricciardo has been linked to a reserve role with Mercedes for 2023, a duty that would at least allow the 33-year-old to remain immersed in Formula 1.
But the Aussie has made clear that he has no intention of applying his skills elsewhere, in another category of racing, despite NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing sounding him out recently as to his interest in racing in the U.S. series.
©McLaren
"The plan is still to be involved in F1," he said. "It’s kind of just hitting pause for a little bit, as I see it, as far as my F1 career goes.
"The full intention is for 2024. It could open up opportunities to maybe do some of that stuff, but if I feel it’s going to like deviate away from my target, then I would still say it’s not really where I’m looking.
"As cool as it sounds to compete in something else, the truth is, mentally, I’m not there yet.
“I’m still so engaged in this and I think a bit of time off or out of the seat will probably do me good.
"I would probably use that, as opposed to trying to jump in something else and stay busy in a different category."
On Sunday, Ricciardo will line up 11th with McLaren on the Japanese Grand Prix grid, and take part in his 236th F1 race.
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