Daniel Ricardo "I'm glad there hasn't been any offer from the top F1 team"[F1-Gate.com]

Daniel Ricciardo will spend the 2023 season on the sidelines after leaving McLaren a year ahead of schedule. But Ricciardo says he had discussions with another team about a 2023 F1 seat before deciding on a third-driver role at reigning champions Red Bull Racing.

During his tenure at McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo led Lando Norris’ one-two to an excellent win at Monza in 2021, scoring 115 points in his first season with the team.

But Daniel Ricciardo struggled with next-generation F1 last season, scoring just 37 points and leaving the team earlier than expected. Compatriot Oscar Piastri will replace him at McLaren in 2023.

On a recent episode of Beyond The Grid, Daniel Ricciardo was asked if he had the option of taking up a full-time racing seat for 2023 before settling down as Red Bull Racing’s third driver.

“I’ve been linked to Ferrari several times. Gunther[Steiner/Haas F1 Team Principal]He said he reached out and did something, but I think he’ll be back on the bike next year.”

“And… as the days went on, it became more and more clear that it didn’t matter where the call came from, especially when we triple-headered to come back in the second half of the season. In the end, we don’t want to compete the next year

“So, in a way, I’m glad the top teams haven’t reached out because maybe they said, ‘I have to sign.’ I wanted some distance.”

The eight-time grand prix winner added that the 2023 F1 season could prove more lucrative than a forced steering wheel.

“You could call it burnout,” Daniel Ricciardo continued.

“But I’m not afraid to admit it or say it. Of course, everyone will have different opinions, but ultimately it’s all about how you feel and what you want. It’s because there’s a dolphin.”

“I don’t want to say I’m the only rider who feels this way, but I feel like I’m not a normal sportsman who says ‘practice makes perfect’. The more I do it, the more I lose myself in it. There are times when it’s like , and I feel there’s power in resting, and I know it’s actually a really good thing.”