After such a public and heart-wrenching dissolution of a partnership, not many could’ve bounced back. However, Daniel Ricciardo took his McLaren ousting like a champion. The Australian bounced back and joined his former team, Red Bull, as a third driver. However, the Australian had his terms, which included considerable leeway in his third driver duties. This break is exactly what the Honey Badger needed after the McLaren emotional rollercoaster. Although, if it wasn’t clear already, Ricciardo reiterated his point of taking a “lighthearted approach” in 2023.

The Australian made the bold choice of staying away from the track despite a seat up for grabs. Many called his decision a step in the wrong direction with the principle of out of sight, out of mind in play. Even though the outcome of Ricciardo’s decision is yet to be seen, he is confident about his approach and clear about the goal.

Speaking to media including Speedcafe.com, Ricciardo revealed his focus hasn’t shifted. “I’m definitely looking more towards figuring out how everything goes this year and see what’s up for ’24,” said Ricciardo. “For now, I’m kind of like F1 or nothing.”

However, Ricciardo wants to make the most of his free time as well. “If I’m not racing F1, then I really just do want to give myself that break. If I’ve got free time, then I’ll go and ride dirt bikes with friends go and ride across parts of America or something. – So let’s say it will be a more lighthearted approach than being eager to compete and to race something,” he concluded.

Exhausted Daniel Ricciardo Shares “Tricky” Life Experiences Beyond Glitz & Glamor of F1

Ricciardo has communicated the toll F1 took on him in the past as well. This could be the reason behind his desire for a little breather, which he is already enjoying.

Daniel Ricciardo reveals he is already loving the extra free time

With the rest of the grid hard at work preparing for the upcoming season, Ricciardo is spending additional time with friends and family. Moreover, he is loving all the much-needed free time.

“It felt really nice to have a little bit of time off,” reflected Ricciardo. “At this time of year, I would have been into an intense pre-season training regime and all of that. I was able just to hang out at home a little longer and spend time with family. So just getting that quality time and that kind of level of fulfillment, on a personal level, it was really nice.”

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WATCH THIS STORY: Struggling ‘Honey Badger’ Daniel Ricciardo Once Dominated the Streets of Azerbaijan in Glorious 2017

Ricciardo has distanced himself from the stressful Formula 1 environment and he is loving it. However, we are sure it won’t be long before the Australian starts missing it all again and we spot him on a track one of these weekends.