Daniel Ricciardo believes he still deserves to remain in Formula 1 despite consistent reports that he will be replaced at McLaren next season.
The Australian has found himself in a driver merry-go-round, which could see fellow countryman Oscar Piastri take his seat in 2023, despite Ricciardo still having one year left on his contract.
Piastri’s impending arrival now leaves Ricciardo in a precarious position, with a spot on next year’s grid seemingly not guaranteed.
In an interview with Speedcafe, the 33-year-old spoke regarding the intensifying speculation around his future, stressing he still has the drive to stay in the sport.
“There are certainly a few things [that keep me motivated],” Ricciardo said.
“Like, the competition – it has to be one of the only sports in the world where there are only 20 people that are doing it.
“The competition is such a small, 0.001 percent of a group. So to be able to not only be part of that group, but to compete inside that group, that’s such a unique thing in itself.
“And so I love that.”
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Ricciardo finds himself in 12th position in the current F1 driver standings, five spots below his McLaren teammate Lando Norris.
Having only scored points on five occasions this season, pressure is growing on the Australian to prove his ability in such a competitive championship.
His last victory came in Monza with McLaren last year, breaking a race win drought that had been in place since his 2018 triumph in Monaco with Red Bull.
Despite the inconsistent nature of his results, Ricciardo is adamant he has a future in F1.
“The truth is, the highs you get are just so high because so much goes into it,” Ricciardo said.
“Of course you take risks – like to win a race for example. You haven’t gone for a Sunday drive; you’ve put it all on the line, the team has, you’ve pushed your body, mentally and physically.
“So then the high and the reward is pretty amazing and pretty spectacular.
“I could probably keep going, but there are a few things.
“I believe I still thrive off it because I still believe I belong [in F1] and can do it.
“That’s what really gets me jacked.”
Formula 1 returns on August 26-28 with the Belgian Grand Prix.
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