Formula 1: 3 possible replacements for Sebastian Vettel in 2023
By Asher Fair
Sebastian Vettel 2023 replacements: No. 3 – Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo has emerged as a potential replacement for Sebastian Vettel due to ongoing speculation about his future. While he is under contract with McLaren through the 2023 Formula 1 season, it’s no secret that neither he nor the team are thrilled with his performance since joining the team last year.
Yes, he did deliver them their first win since 2012 at Monza last year, and in doing so, he led the 2021 season’s only 1-2 finish, which was the Woking-based team’s first since 2010. Still, that has been one of the very few highlights of his time with the papaya, and the two sides could very well agree that it’s time to cut ties after 2022.
There are reportedly “mechanisms” in place that would allow Ricciardo and McLaren to end their deal a year early, though the specifics of those mechanisms have not been publicized. So who really has a say in the matter?
Even with Ricciardo having said he plans to fulfill the rest of his contract, there are still a few doubts.
If McLaren do end up signing somebody new to pair alongside Lando Norris for 2023 and Ricciardo opts to pursue other rides in Formula 1, look no further than Aston Martin as a possibility.
He would aim to rejuvenate his career at a team clearly capable of more than they have shown on-track with their current driver lineup, and with all due respect to Lance Stroll, Ricciardo would be well-positioned as the team’s lead driver, something that can’t be said for him at McLaren with Norris.
Next. Unexpected F1 seat opens up. dark
With Sebastian Vettel retiring after the 2022 Formula 1 season, who will replace him? Will it be one of these three drivers, or will Aston Martin surprise us?