Ricciardo discusses plans for 2023 after difficult McLaren split

BY Will Schofield

Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo hasn’t lost his love of Formula 1 following his recent sacking from McLaren.

Video: Instagram/@McLaren

The split, effective after this season, generated headlines around the world, and cast doubt over his career beyond 2022.

Daniel Ricciardo

"I’d never been in that situation before from a contractual point of view, where it’s obviously been cut short. You have to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best."

Video: Instagram/@McLaren

The 2022 campaign with McLaren clearly hasn’t gone  to plan but Ricciardo is now focused on just doing what  he loves: driving.

Daniel Ricciardo

"[It made] the act of driving a little sweeter. So even though [Belgium] wasn’t a competitive weekend, I did enjoy the driving and just kind of locking myself in the car and getting on with it."

Video: Instagram/@McLaren

The termination of Ricciardo’s contract seems harsh, and while teammate Lando Norris offered little sympathy, other drivers had privately spoken to the Aussie.

Video: Instagram/@McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo

"I did have some private messages from some drivers. Checo [Sergio Perez] was one of them. He knows what it’s like to be kind of hanging on to F1."

The prospect of Ricciardo returning to the grid with a new team is a tantalising one that the veteran driver is not giving up on.

Video: Instagram/@McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo

"I wouldn’t give up on F1. If it means I’m not on the grid next year, I will still certainly try to find a way to be on there in 2024.That fire in my gut is still there. It hasn’t gone away."

Video: Instagram/@McLaren

Producer: Stefan Centofanti

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