Ricciardo not to Alpine? 'Can't imagine he'll get another chance'

The imminent departure of Sebastian Vettel has set quite a few things in motion. The day after the German's announcement, Fernando Alonso announced his move to Aston Martin, followed by Alpine's announcement that Oscar Piastri would take over Alonso's seat next year. However, it seems that Piastri has made a deal with McLaren, so there is a seat vacant at Alpine. Daniel Ricciardo seems to be the main candidate for the seat, but Ralf Schumacher sees another possibility.

It is not yet clear who will sit next to Esteban Ocon in the Alpine in 2023. Ricciardo seems the main candidate, but Schumacher is not so sure. "Personally, I can't imagine him getting another chance in Formula 1," he said in conversation with the German edition of Sky Sports.

Schumacher is also unable to say who will be considered for the seat, but he does see two other contenders. "Mick [Schumacher] has not signed a contract yet, so he is a candidate. Nico Hulkenberg is also ready to go," the former F1 driver continued. "But I wouldn't know who Alpine should choose at the moment."

It may be some time before we know who will succeed Alonso at the French stable. Alpine is not prepared to let Piastri go and team owner Otmar Szafnauer has said he is prepared to take legal action. Moreover, Ricciardo still has a contract with McLaren, so there are also things to finalise before the driver can possibly switch to another team.