Daniel Ricciardo says that he still loves Formula 1 “more than anything” amid uncertainty over his future in the sport.
Ricciardo has underperformed at McLaren since joining the squad in 2021 on a three-year deal.
A breakthrough result came at last year’s Italian Grand Prix when he won McLaren’s first race since 2012, however he has largely be out-paced by team-mate Lando Norris during his stint at the team.
In recent days, the Australian has been linked with a return to Alpine, following links that Oscar Piastri could take his seat at the Woking-based squad in 2023.
Amid a difficult period for the eight-time grand prix winner, he asserts that he has not fallen out of love with F1.
“This sport, it’s one of those ones where you’re as good as your last race,” Ricciardo said.
“In a way unless you’re winning there’s always something to prove, whether it’s to fans, supporters or just yourself. I think most importantly it’s first and foremost to myself.
“That’s why I keep doing it. Because I still believe I can do it and do it at the highest level. So, always trying to prove that for me.
“You can absolutely still find happiness. And, of course, this sport, probably more than most, is one, I’ve touched on it before, where your win ratio is so low, the percentage is so low, as opposed to a team sport, it’s probably 50 per cent.
“So you kind of have to deal with that and understand that you’re not going to win every weekend but you can still set yourself other targets and other ways to certainly find happiness and fulfilment.
“There’s no high like winning, but there are certainly still ways you can do that. So I’m still going through it and I am enjoying it.
“Of course, it can be an emotional sport as well and emotions around higher times and for sure frustration and things like that. But I still love it more than anything.”
Ricciardo currently sits 12th in the Drivers’ Championship, scoring 19 points across the opening 13 rounds of the 2022 season.
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