Another Formula 1 team has reportedly enquired about a potential move to link-up with Daniel Ricciardo, with the Australian now facing a decision about which team he will drive for in 2023 after his McLaren future was revealed.
It's now certain that the 33-year-old will not pilot the McLaren next year, after the team announced on Wednesday that he would leave them at the end of the current campaign.
That news came just a few hours after reports that Haas team principal Guenther Steiner had reached out to Ricciardo for a conversation about his future during the mid-season break, according to ESPN.
It is thought Alpine is still the most likely destination for the Aussie veteran in 2023, but Hass may have a vacancy if they decide to not renew the contract of Mick Schumacher, which expires at the end of 2022.
However, Haas currently have Danish driver Kevin Magnussen tied up on a long-term deal and may struggle to foot the bill for Ricciardo's hefty AU$20.8 million yearly salary.
MORE: Is Daniel Ricciardo staying with McLaren? Latest on the Australian's F1 future
Since joining McLaren in 2021, Ricciardo has only managed one podium finish — an extraordinary victory at the Italian Grand Prix last year.
The Australian has found himself in a driver merry-go-round, which could see fellow countryman Oscar Piastri take his seat in 2023. He is the leading contender to be confirmed in the now vacant McLaren seat.
Piastri's impending arrival leaves Ricciardo in a precarious position, with a spot on next year's grid now far from guaranteed.
In a recent 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.
And he reiterated that announcing his departure from McLaren on Twitter.
"It just hasn't worked the way we wanted," he said. "And so the team has decided to make a change for next year."
"We had a lot of discussions, but in the end we mutually agreed it was the right thing for both of us. I will continue to do the rest of this year and I will continue to give it my all.
"As for the future — what lies ahead — I'm not sure yet, but we'll see.
"The sport ... I still love it. This hasn't affected any of that. I still have that belief, and that fire in my belly, that I can do this at the highest level.
"This isn't it for me, but we will see what lies ahead."
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) August 24, 2022
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.
"The truth is, the highs you get are just so high because so much goes into it," Ricciardo told Speedcafe.
"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.
