Daniel Ricciardo sets date for F1 return after Haas boss Guenther Steiner makes offer
THE Australian seems adamant that he will return to F1 in 2024 despite Haas opening the door for next year.
Haas boss Guenther Steiner has invited Daniel Ricciardo to give him a phone call regarding the American constructor's vacant F1 seat for next season, but says he won't chase the Australian. Ricciardo looks intent on having a year away from F1 instead of competing down the pack after his contract at McLaren was terminated a year early.
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Ricciardo, aged 33, has been in F1 some 11 years winning eight races and taking 32 podiums during a successful career. However this season the McLaren driver has struggled for form with just one top-five finish at Singapore earlier this month after his contract had already been mutually terminated for next season.
Haas and Williams still have seats open for next season but Ricciardo says he is taking a year out and hope that an opportunity opens up to race at a leading constructor. He said: "It's something I've certainly evaluated since the summer break.
"I wanted to give it a few races and the more time that passes, the more I feel like it's what I need. Albeit as well the opportunities... there's not really anything in the form of next year! It's part I would like the break and need to reset a little bit, and part 2024 as well, some other things may open up.
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"I think that there could be some better opportunities in 2024, so that's really what all this confirms and now where the sights are set. Certainly the plan is still to be involved in F1. It's kind of like just hitting pause for a little bit, as I see it - and let's say as far as my F1 career goes the full intention is [to be driving] for '24."
Haas are yet to decide if they will renew the contract of Mick Schumacher and boss Steiner says they are in no hurry to fill their second seat alongside Kevin Magnussen. The Haas boss has made a plea to Ricciardo to give him a call if he's interested in the vacant seat.
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The team principal told The Associated Press: “If he’s interested in us, he’s not shy to call me up. I am not going to chase him down. I want him to decide what he wants to do for himself, first, before being talked into something.
“I think he’s a good driver and I don’t know how he got in the situation he’s in now, but I think he needs to come clean with himself and decide what he’s going to do.” It seems as though Ricciardo is set on taking a break, spending more time in native Australia and possibly taking up the reserve seat with Mercedes.
