McLaren Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed that he won’t compete in Formula One next season and is focusing on a return to the sport in 2024 however, the Australian could potentially fins a new home in the United States.
When McLaren Racing acquired a majority shareholding in Arrow McLaren SP it was suggested that Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo could give IndyCar a go.
The potential for an IndyCar test for either driver was put on the back burning given IndyCar’s limited test schedule and Formula One’s busy calendar.
When it comes to 2023, Ricciardo has already poured cold water on a potential move to NASCAR to follow in his racing hero Dale Earnhart’s footsteps.
The NTT IndyCar Series could be an option for the Australian with Chip Ganassi Racing currently exploring the drover options for their No.48 Honda with Jimmie Johnson stepping back from full-time IndyCar competition, Chip Ganassi is in the market for a driver.
Paddock Eye understands that Chip Ganassi has held talks with 2007 Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen about the Finn competing on road and street courses in 2023 with Johnson doing some sort of oval programme with the team.
It appears now however, that with Ricciardo now available, he could be a more realistic option for Ganassi in terms of the road and street course programme.
While the Australian is not ruling anything out, he says the priority is for him to remain in F1 Paddock in some shape of form in 2023.
Ricciardo is a fan favourite and works well with sponsors so it will be interesting to see if he might find a home at Chip Ganassi Racing.