Button doubts a return of Ricciardo on the grid in 2024
Despite a magnificent 7th place achieved at the Mexican Grand Prix, with a 10-second penalty, the Australian driver is still without a seat for next season. Dominated by his teammate for two seasons, McLaren has decided to part ways with him for 2023. The 2009 world champion, Jenson Button, comments on the possibility of Daniel Ricciardo taking a sabbatical season.
After a difficult first season at McLaren in 2021, he struggled to adapt to his car and still has not been able to deliver the level of performance demanded by his team. 2022 was a pivotal year for the multiple Grand Prix winner from Australia, whose position as a regular driver was threatened, despite having a contract for 2023.
Unfortunately, this 2022 season is just like the previous one. Capable of moments of brilliance, Daniel Ricciardo has not been in the groove, heavily penalizing his team in the fight for fourth place in the constructor championship against Alpine.
He will be replaced by his fellow countryman and young talent, Oscar Piastri, next season and does not have a seat in 2023. The only available seat is with the Haas team, but he has clearly indicated that he is not interested in it.
Jenson Button expressed his thoughts on the choice of the Australian driver: “I suppose he didn’t want to go too low on the grid and work with a team further back, as it’s difficult for a driver coming from a team that almost wins races to suddenly know that you’ll potentially be fighting for points.”
The 2009 World Champion believes that Ricciardo should seize this opportunity to return to a competitive team in 2024. (e) It’s difficult. But I still think that would have been a better decision for him.
Go join a team, work hard, show people what you can do, in a car that may suit your style a little better, and then people forget what happened the previous year.
Daniel Ricciardo is considering two options for next season: taking a sabbatical year away from the sport or obtaining a reserve driver role in a top team.
Jenson Button believes that it will be difficult for Ricciardo to return to the grid in 2024 if he doesn’t race in 2023. It’s delicate and I really struggle to see him coming back to a competitive team after a year of absence.
The Australian driver also spoke to Sky Sports about his desire to take a sabbatical year, away from the racetracks. « I feel like some time away from a racing seat will do me good, then I will try to rebuild something for 2024. »
“I know the value of having even a summer break, simply stepping away gives you a different perspective,” he explained on Sky Sport’s microphone.
