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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 11: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren walks in the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 11, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – JUNE 11: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren walks in the Paddock prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan at Baku City Circuit on June 11, 2022 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Formula 1 can be a cruel sport and if a driver does not perform consistently, the cutthroat nature of the sport forces them out. Daniel Ricciardo experienced something similar to his contract termination after struggling in his McLaren seat. However, the out-of-work Australian, as per reports, has an open invitation from one team on the grid.
Ricciardo did admit he will most likely be without a seat and focus on a comeback. However, team principal Guenter Steiner can still provide him a seat for 2023 at Haas.
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“I want him to decide what he wants to do for himself, first, before being talked into something,” Steiner told the AP. “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.”
Ricciardo‘s situation perplexed the American-owned team boss. However, Steiner won’t be chasing the Australian. “If he’s interested in us, he’s not shy to call me up. I am not going to chase him down,” he added.
Read More: Daniel Ricciardo Thirsty for More Despite Gloomy F1 Future: “That’s the Plan…”
Even though Ricciardo admitted he will not be on the grid in 2023, Haas is an option for the Australian. Despite the uncertainty, Ricciardo made one thing clear: he will be involved with the sport.
Daniel Ricciardo not planning to stray from F1 with or without a seat
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The Australian admitted his chances of securing a drive for 2023 were slim. However, he is not planning to spend the time off entirely away from the sport.
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ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 4: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren during Race during of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Cicuit Zandvoort on September 4, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands (Photo by Marcel ter Bals/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
He said, “The plan is to still be involved in F1. This is like just hitting pause for a little bit as far as my F1 career goes. The full intention is for 2024.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Riccardo Pushed Aside as Lewis Hamilton Takes The Spotlight With Avid F1 Fan
The Australian might be down on his luck, but he is not losing hope. Maybe a step back from the sport will do more good than bad for the Australian. Maybe a move to Haas will bring his form back. Either way, the silly season slowly continues to unfold.
