Daniel Ricciardo has shrugged off an indirect approach from Haas, claiming he needs a break from Formula 1 next year to "reset".
Earlier this week, team boss Guenther Steiner indicated he was ready to take a call from the Australian if he wanted a seat in 2023, adding he would be a "big hit" for the American team.
But after stating in Suzuka that the "reality" was he'd be absent from the grid next season, Ricciardo is uninterested in going back on that claim.
“It’s something I’ve certainly evaluated since the summer break,” he told Sky Sports on deciding between joining a team near the back of the grid versus taking a sabbatical.
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“I wanted to give it a few races and the more time that passes, the more I feel like it (a break) is what I need.
“Albeit as well the opportunities aren’t…there’s not really anything in the form of next year.
“So that’s where part I would like the break and probably need it to reset a little bit, and then part maybe 2024 as well some other things may open up.”
Ricciardo has made it clear since he and McLaren agreed to part ways back in August that his next move in F1 would only be to a place where he can be competitive.
And as a driver who has experienced it all in his 10-plus years on the grid, he recently told The Race how the dominant role of car performance is his biggest frustration.
“There’s a little bit of frustration with the sport in terms of, in one year, you’re forgotten, but then the next year, you’ve got a car that can do it and everyone says you’re the best thing since sliced bread,” he explained.
“I don’t know how that sits with me. It’s probably the ultimate… hate is not the right word. But it’s like the love-hate I’ve had with the sport.
“When everything clicks, it’s the best sport in the world, and the high is so high,” he continued.
“But obviously, things happen out of your control, and you can put that 100% in, but you don’t always get that reward.
“That’s where it’s a grind. And as glamorous and awesome as the sport is, and as privileged as I am to be doing it as my job and my dream, it is a grind.
“No one wants to be scrutinised. It’s not fun. But I appreciate that comes with trying to be the best in the world at something and putting yourself out there.
“I appreciate that’s part of the game. It’s what I signed up for. It’s just something extra you have to deal with.”
