McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo is aware that he’ll have a hard time landing a spot on the grid for the 2023 F1 season. This is why the 33-year-old Australian is now open to being a reserve driver, but under the condition that it’s a top team.
Ricciardo previously had a contract with McLaren through 2023, but the team decided to release him a year earlier in order to free up a car for Formula 2 champ Oscar Piastri. This left Ricciardo low on options since only Alpine, Haas, and Williams haven’t locked their lineups.
Ricciardo recently told the reporters that his management is talking with a number of teams and that he is weighing his options. One of them is to remain in F1 but as a backup.
“I know that if I choose to take a reserve role or not race next year, nothing’s guaranteed,” he said. “So that comes at a risk, but that’s what we are weighing up. At this stage, especially with a top team, there are no guarantees.”
Daniel Ricciardo started his Formula 1 journey in 2011 with HRT Formula 1 Team. He had his biggest success while a member of Red Bull, finishing third on the Drivers Standings in 2014 and 2016. Ricciardo has 19 points in 17 races this season and is yet to make the podium.
