Daniel Ricciardo has opened up on some of his plans for the 2023 season, which will be his first year away from the full-time F1 grid in 2010.
Ricciardo has departed McLaren one year prior to the original expiration of his contract amid a period of underwhelming performances at the Woking-based squad.
The Australian driver has returned to Red Bull for the 2023 campaign in a third driver role.
However, he won’t be present at all races next year, stating that he wants to have more time to himself away from F1.
“I’m really trying to find a balance of still staying in the sport, to some degree, but giving myself time to, again, just have time for me,” Ricciardo told Speedcafe.com.
“That’s even as simple as even just getting more time to myself to train, to spend in the [time] in the gym, to get better, whatever.
“That’s what people also don’t understand – I’m sorry, I’m not attacking them – but our schedule’s so busy that I might train one day a week.”
Ricciardo added that one of his plans is to travel to the USA and take part in a road trip.
“Just taking more time for me to do things, prioritise some other things but also I’m trying to plan a ride across America,” Ricciardo added.
“That’s something that I know will be yes, exciting, fun, but I’ll also just get so much self-reflection time.
“That stuff, for me, is really powerful; just being alone and going through nature. All these things, they’re things I’m looking forward to.
“And I think getting enough alone time as well will answer a lot of questions and give me clarity moving forward; if 2024 is the best thing for me to be back on the grid or not.
“Then it’s up to teams as well to feel like I’m worthy, but think I’ll just answer a lot of questions for myself next year.”
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