Ricciardo expects much from year off: 'I still believe in myself'

Daniel Ricciardo has two more Grands Prix to go, after which he will bid farewell to McLaren and not be on the grid for at least a year. Although the Australian regrets not having a Formula 1 seat for next season, he thinks a temporary departure could also be a positive thing.

Ricciardo showed a high level for years at Red Bull Racing, but the remainder of his career was less successful. At Renault and McLaren, both times he failed to live up to the high expectations, so the latter team also decided to let him leave.

Ricciardo wants to come back stronger

The driver started looking for another chance in Formula 1 recently, but Ricciardo did not manage to find a racing stable. This left him empty-handed and he is now in talks with Red Bull and Mercedes about a role as a reserve driver. Furthermore, he wants to distance himself to come back stronger.

"I want enough distance from the sport just to let me reset and rebuild a bit," he explained to The New York Times. "Obviously, the last two years have been challenging, but I still love it, and I still believe in myself."

"I know I just need a little bit of time to myself to keep that fire. It’s the right time to do that. I know not many drivers have done it in the past, but what I know of myself, it will actually be really good for me."