Vandoorne F1 Shift Has Game-Changing Impact on Daniel Ricciardo & Mick Schumacher’s F1 Future

Former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo looks set to miss out on F1 racing next year. After being released from his McLaren seat, the Aussie driver has failed to grab a seat on the grid. However, the recent departure of Mercedes reserve duo Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne might open up a potential chance for the Honey Badger at the Silver Arrows.

Stoffel Vandoorne has announced his departure from Mercedes to join Aston Martin as a test and reserve driver for the 2023 season. The reigning Formula E champion will share the duties with the current F2 champion, Felipe Drugovich.

Vandoorne’s move to Aston Martin has fueled more rumors regarding Daniel Ricciardo joining the Mercedes team as a reserve driver for next season. The Australian has not yet revealed his future intentions. However, the 33-year-old plans to stay in F1 and wants to plan his future accordingly.

Subsequently, Nico Hulkenberg has also been back in the fray for an F1 seat next year. The German has been without an F1 seat for a while but looks set to return to the main grid.

Meanwhile, Mick Schumacher’s future at Haas is also looking unlikely after Gene Haas’ comments about the German. Mick, who has been with Haas for 2 years has had a mixed season after impressing in phases this season. He has scored 12 points for Haas during his 2-year spell with the American team.

READ MORE: Redemption Drive by Daniel Ricciardo as The Honey Badger Rode His Luck to Bounce Back From a Hefty Penalty

The silly season of F1 has seen lots of twists and turns so far. Will the season deliver one more surprise before the end?

Outgoing McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo told to get off the “F1 rat race” by Nico Hulkenberg

An outstanding P7 finish in Mexico was perhaps Daniel Ricciardo’s best season performance so far. He was impressive in the race’s final stages and showed everyone what they’d be missing next year without him. Moreover, German driver Nico Hulkenberg believes the sabbatical will help Daniel in the future.

Hulkenberg told ServusTV, “I’m happy for him that after these tough years he’s had a little sense of achievement again. I think after the two turbulent years he’s glad that he’s going to be out for a year and can sort himself out.”

He also added, “Knowing him and seeing his body language, I think he needs to get off this Formula 1 rat race”. However, Hulkenberg looks poised to return to the F1 rat race himself. Reports of him taking the final Haas seat are growing by the day. The German will replace his compatriot Mick Schumacher if all goes well.

Nico last drove in F1 in the Saudi Arabian GP for Aston Martin Racing. He substituted for another German colleague of his, Sebastian Vettel.

WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Ricciardo Makes Parting Promise to F1 Grid 

Next year brings some new faces to the grid, as well as some old ones donning a new jersey. It will be interesting to see how the last couple of races pan out in Brazil and Abu Dhabi. Do you think Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher will return to the F1 paddock in 2024 if they fail to find a seat this year?