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Ex-F1 star Ralf Schumacher says Daniel Ricciardo will NEVER get another chance in the sport as Aussie is reportedly set to be axed from his job with McLaren
- Ralf Schumacher believes Aussie veteran’s F1 career could be over
- Schumacher ‘can’t imagine’ Ricciardo will get another chance in the sport
- He doesn’t blame Aussie Oscar Piastri for the ongoing saga in F1
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Ex-Formula 1 star Ralf Schumacher believes underperforming Aussie Daniel Ricciardo’s journey as an F1 driver is over – as it looks like his young compatriot Oscar Piastri is lined up to replace him at McLaren next year.
The messy saga began earlier this month when grand prix legend Fernando Alonso announced he will be taking Sebastian Vettel’s vacant seat at Aston Martin.
Underperforming Australian veteran F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo (pictured at French Lenovo F1 GP in 2022) has been on the end of a dire prediction by a former star of the sport
Ex-Williams and Toyota Ralf Schumacher believes Ricciardo’s F1 career is over
Alpine quickly announced that Piastri would replace Alonso in 2023 after serving as the team’s reserve driver this season, only for the 21-year-old Aussie F2 champion to sensationally reject the seat.
Ricciardo, who is reportedly in talks to reach a financial settlement with McLaren that would cover the early termination of his contract, has been linked with a return to Alpine as intense speculation swirls over his future at the British team.
Numerous reports have stated that McLaren want to get rid of him before his contract expires at the end of next season, citing his poor performances in 2021 and 2022.
However, Ralf Schumacher believes the French outfit will be spoiled for choice when it comes to drivers and 2022 will be the last season for Ricciardo in the premier class.
Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo racing for McLaren during an F1 GP in Hungary
‘The names are there, with every cockpit,’ Schumacher told Sky Germany.
‘Mick [Schumacher, Ralf’s nephew] has also not yet signed a contract. Therefore, he would be a candidate. A candidate with speed, as you have seen.
‘Nico Hulkenberg is also still in the starting blocks. And then there is the question of Daniel Ricciardo.
‘Personally, I can’t imagine that he would get another chance in Formula 1.’
Piastri has copped a lot of flak over his bold move, but Schumacher doesn’t blame the Aussie for the scandal surrounding who will drive where in 2023.
Australian Oscar Piastri who may replace Ricciardo at McClaren
‘If you have such a jewel, it is criminal to let it go. If you are not able to design the contracts correctly yourself, then you cannot blame the young man,’ he said of Alpine’s situation.
‘One thing must not be forgotten: Piastri’s manager Mark Webber has a very, very close connection to McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl.’
It’s been a very tough season for Ricciardo, who has only scored 19 points so far, while his McLaren teammate Lando Norris has scored 76.
Ricciardo has remained upbeat and has even received support from some unlikely places.
A photo of pop star Harry Styles wearing a Daniel Ricciardo shirt did the rounds on social media channels, exciting many F1 fans.
Officially, the Aussie is under contract with McLaren until the end of the 2023 season.