Daniel Ricciardo “At Peace” With 2022 F1 Season Being His Last Dance

Once in the league of greats of the sport, Daniel Ricciardo was all set to be the next big thing in Formula 1. Fast forward to today, the situation has changed a lot. As the season has reached its penultimate round, the Honey Badger is still in a search of new bidders. But guess what? Even the extreme circumstances are not shaking the ‘at peace’ Australian.

Daniel Ricciardo’s current contract with McLaren will expire at the end of this year. Owing to the disappointing run of two years, the Honey Badger will leave the papaya family as the curtain falls on this year. But all the fuss isn’t giving any headaches to the Perth-based driver. Instead, Ricciardo is at peace.

Daniel Ricciardo admits that the last two races of the season might be his ‘last dance’ in F1 if he doesn’t get a contract for season 2024. But at the same time is relaxed as he doesn’t want to be a part of any team without being fully charged.

He said, “I’m certainly aware (an offer for 2024 might not follow), and I’m also at peace with it if that’s the case  I’m standing with my decision. Look, I don’t want this to be my last two races in F1, but if it is then I accept that could be an outcome.”

He further added, “Let’s say because I’m at peace with that, I’m then betting on myself that doing what I’m doing will prepare me for the best version of myself if I do get the opportunity. I think it’s one where if I get the opportunity I don’t want to be Daniel operating at 95%, I want to be fully charged.”

READ MORE: With Eyes on 2024 Grid, Daniel Ricciardo Gets Tempting Invitation From Former F1 Driver to Alternate Career Path

There were many speculations regarding Ricciardo joining Red Bull or Mercedes as a reserve driver and now the Honey Badger himself opens up about his hopes.

Daniel Ricciardo shares his condition to be at the 2023 F1 Grid

Daniel Ricciardo is among the most talked about drivers on the F1 track right now. With his ties ending up with the British racing team, Ricciardo is seatless after the 2022 Abu Dhabi GP. There are many speculations about his future, now as he hasn’t shown much interest in driving for Haas or joining the IndyCar series.

With all the theories in line, it’s very likely that the McLaren driver can accept the role of a reserve driver in arguably the top two teams of the F1. But he has some conditions. According to Ricciardo, he has vast experience and the potential deal should more importantly work for him.

As per the Race, he said, “Fortunately I feel like I’ve done enough to make this case a little unique and cater for it in a way obviously it has to work on both side but it has to sit well with me.”

“I want to take this opportunity to make sure I get enough time for myself to feel the way I need to feel about the sport again.”

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As the last two races come right after his decent showing at the Mexican GP, the Australian will hope to display the best of his skills in the Brazilian GP. Ricciardo will eventually want to help his team to gain some crucial points in order to overtake the Alpine in the fierce battle for P4 in the WCC.