‘Not holding back’: Daniel Ricciardo’s future plans revealed

Formula 1 racer Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about what Aussie fans can expect from him next.

Daniel Ricciardo has opened about what his future might bring, after he was dumped by McLaren. Picture: Getty Images

Formula 1 racer Daniel Ricciardo is still “hungry” to get on the grid and has not given up on his career in the fast lane just yet.

The sports star, who was dumped from McLaren last month, said he did not know what the future would hold, but his team were “working hard” at options and he had not signed any contracts.

“I’m not holding anything back. I honestly don’t know [what’s next]. I have a sense of what could be and trying to make a plan for that but nothing is signed for next year. I don’t have a contract,” Ricciardo told News Corp.

“It’s really two scenarios. I get a contract with a team that feels right for me and it all makes sense or I sit on the sidelines for a year and then work towards 2024.

“I am at peace with whatever the outcome is.”

Formula 1 race car driver and Optus Chief of Optimism, Daniel Ricciardo, is “at peace” with future prospects, after being dumped from team McLaren. Picture: Tony McDonough.

The always smiling star believes everything happens for a reason.

“Right now it’s a difficult time and there’s a lot of uncertainty but maybe in a week’s time or a month’s time it’s all going to make sense, so I’m certainly at ease with all of that,” he said.

“I’m still hungry and still want to get on the grid but what will be, will be.

“If I’m not meant to be on the grid next year then maybe something happens next year which puts me in an even better position. Or maybe I learn something about myself through having time off that it gets more out of me or it builds that hunger or fire to another level that I didn’t know existed you know.

“I’ve been in it for so long, for so many years that it’s hard to get time to yourself with a schedule and ultimately reflection time.

“I’m not panicked about maybe not racing next year because maybe some other good things will happen – that’s given me a lot more ease of the situation.”

Should racing not be on the cards in 2023, Daniel Ricciardo is looking forward to exploring Australia’s outdoors. Picture: Tony McDonough.

Ricciardo, who is the Chief of Optimism at Optus, revealed the top three things he does to cope with setbacks in life and in his career.

He said his first tip was accepting the situation, then looking at what factors he could control, followed by leaning on his inner circle.

The athlete said he has also turned to mediation for the first time this year, believing previously it wasn’t for him.

Ricciardo, who spending some time in his home town of Perth, revealed his parents were now the first phone call he made to those in his inner circle.

“For a long time they wouldn’t have been my first call because you don’t want to drag them down with my problem,” he said.

“If I called them a bit down or upset, it would affect their mood.

“Sharing some of these things with them makes them feel good about helping me and it ultimately makes our relationship even closer and stronger,” he said.

“I’ve definitely got better at talking with them a few layers deeper. We’ve always had a good relationship but that’s made it stronger.”

Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the McLaren MCL36 Mercedes on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 11, 2022 in Monza, Italy. Picture: Getty

Ricciardo said if he couldn’t get behind the wheel, he would like to spend more time with family and travel Australia and get outdoors.

“There is something about getting out in nature is good for the soul,” he said.

“Little road trips and little experiences in the form of being in nature would appeal to me.

“It’s such a different existence to my Formula 1 life and the schedule and the flying and the hotels. The contrast of something like that would be kind of quite refreshing.

“There is so much of Australia I still haven’t seen but Australia would be high on the list to

The footy lover, who is an avid West Coast Eagles fan, is looking forward to watching the AFL Grand Final this weekend. He doesn’t know who will win but believes it will be a close game, tipping the margin to be just six points.