Daniel Ricciardo is 'hitting pause' on his F1 career as he targets 2024 return
- Heinrich Griessel
- 19 October 2022
McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo believes a break from Formula 1 will do his career a world of good as he prepares to return revitalised and motivated in 2024.
The 33-year-old Australian was left without a gig for the 2023 season, after McLaren opted to cancel his contract at the end of the current campaign.
However, Ricciardo looks at it as an opportunity to reset and emerge as a stronger driver in the 2024 season - wherever he may end up driving.
"It's something I've certainly evaluated since the summer break," Ricciardo told Sky F1.
"I wanted to give it a few races and the more time that passes, the more I feel like it's what I need. Albeit as well the opportunities... there's not really anything in the form of next year!
"It's part I would like the break and need to reset a little bit, and part 2024 as well, some other things may open up.
"I think that there could be some better opportunities in 2024, so that's really what all this confirms and now where the sights are set.
"Certainly the plan is still to be involved in F1.
"It's kind of like just hitting pause for a little bit, as I see it - and let's say as far as my F1 career goes the full intention is [to be driving] for '24."
