After Toto Wolff Exposed Lewis Hamilton’s Comments to the World, Daniel Ricciardo to Mercedes F1 Talks Heat Up

The silly season ahead of the upcoming 2023 is almost over, almost! There are still three seats up for grabs at Alpine, Haas, and Williams. There is one driver who is arguably worthy enough for all three seats, namely Daniel Ricciardo. However, the Australian might follow in the footsteps of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Not exactly, but Ricciardo might join Mercedes from McLaren after terminating his contract one year earlier than expected. The hugely talented Australian endured a difficult time at the Woking-based outfit. Following the contract termination, Ricciardo has been linked to multiple scenarios.

However, the Honey Badger has made his stance clear, saying he won’t jump at the first opportunity he gets, even if it means a year on the sidelines. What would be a better way to spend the gap year than being at one of the best teams on the grid?

However, Mercedes world champion Hamilton feels Riccardo’s talents would be wasted as a reserve driver. At Monza, the Brit said, “I think he is far too talented, and he deserves the right to be amongst us all racing.”

“But of course, if he is a part of our team, that would be great, but that role is not what really is best for him. If I was managing him, he’d be racing,” added Hamilton.

Read More: Lewis Hamilton Once Pulled Aside a Rookie Daniel Ricciardo in a Moment That Would Define The Honey Badger’s F1 Career

Ricciardo might move to Mercedes in a reserve role, a viable option with Hamilton’s contract expiring in 2023. However, the British world champion does not see it this way.

Lewis Hamilton made his future intentions clear to Toto Wolff

The Mercedes boss, during an interview with former driver David Coulthard, revealed his conversation with Hamilton. The Mercedes pair sat down in Monaco and Hamilton made his future intentions clear, as revealed by Toto Wolff.

Right after Coulthard expressed he doesn’t see Hamilton, now 37 years old, in F1 past 40, Wolff revealed his conversation.

“The advantage is we speak a lot together. He lives here and I’m there [in Monaco]. And just last week we sat down and he says ‘well, I have another five years in me. How do you see that?'” said Wolff.

WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Ricciardo Pushed Aside as Lewis Hamilton Takes The Spotlight With Avid F1 Fan

Hamilton is confident in himself and his driving capabilities. This move to Mercedes might not earn Ricciardo as much racing time as he deserves. All shall be revealed soon in this silly season.