Daniel Ricciardo feels he is in the latter stages of his driving career and doubts if he can keep driving for another decade.
The Australian started his F1 career back in 2011 and has gone on to become an eight-time race winner in the sport with Red Bull and his current team McLaren.
In an interview with ESPN ahead of the 2022 F1 Miami GP, Daniel Ricciardo was asked about his plans for the future. He said:
βI think going deeper into it, no, Iβm not considering it or anything. But Iβm also aware that Iβve done 10, 11 years now. Am I gonna do another 10 more? Unless I start winning every race and it makes a lot of sense, I donβt have 10 more in me. So Iβm definitely in the second part of it."
The 32-year-old driver went on to add:
"I couldnβt tell you now if itβs three years, five years, whatever, but Iβm aware that I canβt see myself doing this at 40. Iβm still passionate about the sport and I still want to do good in it, so thatβs it. Itβs as simple as that. You just pull back [the negatives]. Iβm still enjoying it. The results arenβt there yet. But a negative attitude isnβt going to help me get those results either.β
Reports have suggested that McLaren plans to bring in a new driver to partner Lando Norris from the start of the 2024 season. IndyCar drivers Pato O'Ward and Colton Herta are both scheduled for F1 tests with the Woking-based team later this season.
"Hopefully it will be two victories this year" - Daniel Ricciardo has already set personal goals with McLaren for 2022 F1 season
Daniel Ricciardo is targeting two wins with McLaren in the ongoing 2022 F1 season after a slow start to the year. The Australian has achieved one win with his current team back in Monza in 2021.
In an interview following his home race at the Australian GP, Ricciardo said:
βHopefully, it will be two victories this year. Or more. But Iβll take it as it comes. Iβve already set goals in my head. But above all, I donβt want to go through another difficult season like 2021. Despite the success at Monza, it wasnβt an easy year. Looking at the results, I have to say there is still room for improvement in qualifying. That didnβt go well.β
Ricciardo is currently 11th in the 2022 Driver Standings, with 11 points from the first four rounds of the campaign. He will be hoping to add to that tally at the 2022 F1 Miami GP.