Daniel Ricciardo confidently claimed: "I'll be around," when asked about his plans for next season, hinting at a reserve role in 2023.
The Aussie has struggled for form in his two years with McLaren. He was contracted to a third, but the team decided instead to pay off the 33-year-old and replace him with 2021 F2 champion Oscar Piastri from next season.
Only one race seat remains, at Haas, and Ricciardo has all but ruled himself out of taking it by admitting he will not be on the grid in 2023. Instead, a reserve driver role seems to be his preferred choice so he can remain close to the sport and give himself a chance of returning to racing in 2024.
