Sebastian Vettel says links to McLaren are “just rumours” while Daniel Ricciardo believes he has now “cleared up” his F1 future; Watch French GP all live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend, with Sunday’s race at 2pm
Last Updated: 21/07/22 5:08pm
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Daniel Riccardo says it ‘felt right’ to put out a statement confirming that he wanted to continue his contract with McLaren
Sebastian Vettel has given his clearest indication yet that he intends to race in Formula 1 in 2023 – but has dismissed “rumours” of a move to McLaren.
Vettel, a four-time F1 champion who was dropped by Ferrari two years ago, had been mooted to be considering retirement due to Aston Martin and his own struggles.
Asked about his future on Thursday, the German quipped to the media: “I’m racing this weekend, and the next one.”
“Obviously I’ve said that at some point, we will start to talk,” he added. “I’m talking to the team.
“I think there’s a clear intention to keep going, and we’ll see soon where we stand.”
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Sebastian Vettel was not aware he’d received a penalty until he was asked about it in his post-race interview
Vettel has also been linked with Daniel Ricciardo’s seat at McLaren for next season, even though the Australian has insisted he is staying with the team.
“I know obviously some people there, but I think it’s just rumours,” responded Vettel.
Ricciardo, meanwhile, believes he has “cleared up” his future with a statement on social media.
Amid near-constant rumours about his future with McLaren – particularly after the team signed several IndyCar stars who are aiming for an F1 seat – Ricciardo posted last week that he will see out his McLaren contract until the end of 2023 and that he is not “walking away” from F1.
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Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby and Paul Di Resta look ahead to the French Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard Circuit
The eight-time race winner faced the media for the first time since that message at the French GP.
“Obviously putting out a statement from me I think kind of clears it up,” he told Sky Sports F1. “That’s 100 per cent my words, my intentions.
“I think it felt like it was time to draw a line under it and state my intentions as well because, yes I’ve got a contract, but people will be like, ‘I wonder what he’s thinking, does he still want to do it?’. And I 100 per cent still want to do it.
“It felt right.”
Sky Sports F1’s live French GP schedule
Friday, July 22
10.35am: F2 Practice
12.30pm: French GP Practice One (session starts 1pm)
3.45pm: French GP Practice Two (session starts 4pm)
5.25pm: F2 Qualifying
6.10pm: W Series Qualifying
7pm: The F1 Show
Saturday, July 23
11.45am: French GP Practice Three (session starts 12pm)
1.30pm: W Series Race
2.35pm: French GP Qualifying Build-up
3pm: French Grand Prix Qualifying
4.55pm: F2 Sprint Race
6pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook
Sunday, July 24
8.30am: F2 Feature Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: French GP Build-up
2pm: The French Grand Prix
4pm: Chequered Flag: French GP Reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
5.30pm: French GP Highlights