Daniel Ricciardo believes he could end up without a race seat in 2023. The McLaren driver will be out of contract at the end of this season after the company decided to relieve him a year earlier. Although things do not seem totally grim, it is highly likely that Ricciardo could be off the grid for the next season.

Daniel Ricciardo believes he could end up without a race seat in 2023. The McLaren driver will be out of contract at the end of this season after the company decided to relieve him a year earlier. Although things do not seem totally grim, it is highly likely that Ricciardo could be off the grid for the next season.

The Aussie driver, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the ongoing season, might also struggle to find a place elsewhere as all the competitors are making strong signings to make their presence felt in 2023. Despite having years of experience coupled with the fantastic ability, Ricciardo currently is struggling to find a buyer in the market. 

“I think the reality is now I won’t be on the grid in 2023. I think it’s now just trying to set up for 2024. I think there could be some better opportunities then. So that’s really what all this confirms, and now where the sights are set,” Ricciardo said to reporters in Japan. 

Alpine eventually ended up announcing the signing of Pierre Gasly and AlphaTauri will be replacing him with Nyck de Vries. Williams and Haas are yet to confirm their seats for next season, but it seems unlikely that Ricciardo will be heading there. 

One of the major disappointments for Ricciardo, if he ends up missing next season, will be about missing the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will happen for the first time in 2023. Ricciardo is keen on making it back to the top in 2024 but may miss out on his dream to race in Nevada. 

The driver is not keen on rushing things and would not want his illustrious career to come to a premature end. This could be one of the reasons why he might take a practical decision and remain out of the grid in 2023.

The Italian-Australian racer has won eight races over the course of his career, establishing himself as one of the most astute and skillful drivers in the market. He joined McLaren in 2021 and won his first race with the company at the Italian Grand Prix. Although he has not won a race since then, the 33-year-old always remains a force to reckon with.