SUZUKA, Japan — Daniel Ricciardo doesn’t count on to race in System One subsequent yr following information Pierre Gasly has signed a brand new multiyear contract with Alpine beginning in 2023.

Ricciardo’s McLaren contract is about to be terminated one yr sooner than deliberate on the finish of this season after the crew signed Oscar Piastri as his alternative for 2023 over the summer time.

Initially it appeared probably Ricciardo may fill a gap at Alpine to switch Fernando Alonso, who is about to maneuver to Aston Martin in 2023, however following Gasly’s announcement on Saturday, Ricciardo mentioned he expects to spend a yr on the sideline.

“Yeah, to be sincere, the Gasly information I used to be conscious of, I knew they have been speaking for some time and I knew although they have been very eager about Pierre,” he mentioned. “For instance I used to be ready for that and no shock so we have been attempting to, as an example navigate, our manner round that and determine what was subsequent.

“However I feel the fact is now I will not be on the grid in 2023, I feel it is now simply attempting to arrange for 2024. I feel that there may very well be some higher alternatives then in order that’s actually what all this confirms and now the place the sights are set.”

Ricciardo’s feedback successfully dominated out any prospect of becoming a member of Haas or Williams subsequent yr, that are the one two groups with out two drivers contracted for 2023.

The Australian, who has beforehand expressed an curiosity in a reserve position at a prime crew throughout his yr out, mentioned he would relatively stay part of F1 than race in one other sequence.

“Definitely the plan remains to be to be concerned in F1,” he mentioned. “It is sort of like simply hitting pause for a little bit bit, as I see it so far as my F1 profession goes.

“The complete intention is for ’24 and certain it may open up alternatives to perhaps do a few of that stuff, but when I really feel it is going to deviate away from my goal then I’ll nonetheless say it is not likely the place I am wanting.

“As enjoyable or cool because it sounds to compete in one thing else, the reality is mentally, I am not there but. I am nonetheless so, so engaged on this and I feel a little bit of time without work out of a seat will most likely do me good.

“I’d most likely use that as opposed [to get back in F1] than attempt to bounce in one thing else and keep busy in a distinct class.

“I would say fairly convincingly say it would not occur wherever else.”