[imagesource: Mark Thompson/Getty Images]

If there is one thing that makes Formula 1 truly special, it’s the pace at which things move on and off the race track.

Sudden changes and shifts within a particular team can have a massive impact on everyone’s performance.

For some time, there has been a flurry of rumours swirling around Daniel Ricciardo. Not too long ago it was reported that the racer has been considering hitting the breaks on his career and stepping away from the sport.

According to The Judge 13, the Australian Formula 1 driver is keen to go on a sabbatical and search for some much-needed answers.

Ricciardo has been a professional driver for over 12 seasons and has put the pedal to the metal for a number of teams such as Toro Roso, Red Bull Racing, and Renault. For the past few seasons, he’s been a McClaren driver.

Mclaren is a renowned name in motorsport and anyone who joins the racing team is expected to deliver excellent results, week in and week out.

Yet,  Ricciardo has found it quite difficult to perform and find his groove, particularly this season with his teammate Lando Norris performing top-notch beside him.

Norris is sitting at seventh on the driver’s standings whereas Ricciardo is five spots behind him.

The Aussie Formula 1 driver had this to say about his performances at McLaren:

“I’ve been through the grind for the last 18 months. And it’s like, I don’t want to risk just putting myself in a position where I’m going to just be at the back and be like, ‘what am I still doing here?’. I don’t want to resent the sport in a way. I kind of love it too much.”

It seems Ricciardo would love to take a break from the sport and reignite his passion for getting behind the wheel.

He has already turned in a number of offers from NASCAR and Indycar in order to rest.

He may enjoy watching the next Formula 1 season from the sideline but I’m certain that he’ll be wondering about his next move.

By the time 2024 rolls around, will other racing teams feel the need to make the Australian an offer?

[source: thejudge13]