Former F1 Champion Jenson Button "I don't think Ricardo can return to F1 after a year of absence"[F1-Gate.com]

2009 F1 world champion Jenson Button has doubts about Daniel Ricciardo’s return to the F1 starting grid after the 2023 season if he does not have a place in F1.

McLaren has decided to terminate Daniel Ricciardo’s contract a year in advance and to appoint rookie Asker Piastri. The lineup of F1 2023 has already been decided, leaving one of the seats of teammate Kevin Magnussen of the Haas F1 team.

Daniel Ricciardo, who has been a household name on the F1 grid for 12 years, has previously confirmed that he is in talks with several F1 teams for a reserve driver role for 2023.

But Jenson Button thinks Daniel Ricciardo will have a hard time returning once he leaves his F1 spot.

“I think Zach[Brown, CEO della McLaren]and McLaren have made the right move. For most of this season Daniel hasn’t kept up with Lando’s pace, sometimes a little behind, so it’s the right move for the team, “Button said Any Driven Monday.

“It’s a difficult situation for Daniel. I think he didn’t want to work with a team that was so far down the grid and behind. It’s hard to suddenly know you’re fighting for points.

“So it’s tough, but I still think it would have been a better move for him. To be part of a team, work hard and show people what he could do with a car that could have been a little bit more suited to him. people forget what happened the year before.

“This is the problem now. People forget how good Ricciardo is because he has been going through a very difficult period for a year and a half or two.”

“But he has talent. If he gets into the right car, he will show his skills and have the opportunity to race for a top team again. But if he starts, what happens? People said last year. I just remember what happened.”

“It’s difficult and I don’t really see myself returning to a competitive team after a year of absence.”