Daniel Ricciardo says that he is in no rush to decide his future amid speculation linking him to a switch to Mercedes.

The Aussie leaves McLaren at the end of this season and is looking set for at least a year away from the grid, with the available remaining drives for 2023 set to be snapped up by others.

It remains to be seen how Ricciardo occupies himself next year, then, but he has been heavily linked in recent times to a switch to Mercedes, where he would take on a reserve driver role.

Daniel Ricciardo gives update on future

Lewis Hamilton & Daniel Ricciardo chat at the Italian GP

MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 08: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren attend the drivers press conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 08, 2022 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Indeed, Canal+ has reported that talks between Ricciardo and Mercedes are at an advanced stage but nothing has been agreed yet, and the Aussie has said he is still not going to be rushing to make a final decision on his future for next year.

Speaking during the driver press conference at the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Formula 1's long-awaited return to Suzuka, Ricciardo had this to say:

“I am just taking time to figure out what will be the best thing for me. There is no rush. I feel no pressure to quickly sign something.

“I want to take the right amount of time. I won’t just sign the first contract to be back on the grid.

“I’ll keep going with the season and it will become clear what is best for me.”

What next for Daniel Ricciardo?

Daniel Ricciardo driving at Monza

MONZA, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 09: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the (3) McLaren MCL36 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on September 09, 2022 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Many F1 fans want to see Ricciardo back up near the front of the field but it looks as though we'll have to be prepared to see him away from the grid for at least next season.

That might do him the world of good, though, and if he can then get back in in 2024 he should be re-energised and ready to show exactly what he can still offer.

What he actually does in 2023 to fill the time remains to be discovered, though.

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