“Are You Really Putting Daniel in if…?”: Lewis Hamilton & Co. Given Harsh Reality Check Around Ricciardo Third Driver Situation

The dramatic F1 season is nearing its end. And with that, new drama begins to brew in regard to the upcoming season. Mercedes has been debating its next move for the season of 2023. There have been talks about the Honey Badger making it to their team in the role of a reserve driver, although, how much of it does actually stand true?

In the official F1 podcast of F1 nation, F1 columnist and commentator, Jolyon Palmer, dished out some rather harsh truths. He questioned Ricciardo’s move to the Silver Arrows, considering he was losing his seat with McLaren at the end of the season. And with the Honey Badger’s options being scarce, he believes that Mercedes may not go forth with the gamble either.

As things stand, Ricciardo has been turned down by McLaren. And to add to that, team Alpine has also not furthered any interest in the driver. Palmer stated that if these teams were turning away Ricciardo, his chances of making it to Mercedes would be a lot lower.

Many claimed that Ricciardo, as the reserve driver for Mercedes, will have the chance to finally hit the grid again in place of the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, should he retire. To this, Palmer asked, “Are you really putting Daniel in if Lewis retires? I don’t think so.”

“I know from my experience at Renault that demoralizes you. Maybe he’s done now and wants a break for the first time in ten just put your feet up for years,” he added.

He further emphasized that taking up the role of a third driver wasn’t in the best interest of Daniel, either. He stated that the best move for him would be to stay on the grid to stay relevant. And as a reserve driver, that would be a hard thing to do. Ergo, would be ‘frustrating.’

Read More: “Why Aren’t You Interested In Next Year?”: Daniel Ricciardo Approaches F1 Sabbatical With Questionable Plan

But what led to Ricciardo stand in such an uncertain spot in his career? Was it the car troubles that saw him exit McLaren with a year remaining in his contract?

Daniel Ricciardo’s performance has been obstructed by the limitations of McLaren MCL36

In The Last Lap Podcast, which also delved into the Daniel Ricciardo seat debate, the hosts discussed the McLaren team- duo, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. Even though Lando Norris has been outperforming the Aussie, he too seems to be struggling.

In various reports, Lando has been vocal about the shortcoming of the McLaren car and stated that his driving style does not adapt well to the machine. He struggles and wishes that the car would go through some changes that would adapt to his racing style more.

In addition to having to adjust to difficult track conditions around the world, having to adjust to the car as well makes the chances of a win that much harder.

The fact that Lando is struggling with the car also reflects on Daniel’s performance graph, which isn’t to be completely blamed on his shortcomings, but also on the difficulties the two have been facing with the MCL36.

Watch This story: Daniel Ricciardo makes parting promise to the F1 grid

The Honey Badger seems to find himself in a bit of a fix with the season ending in F1. How do you think the 2023 year will unravel for the Aussie?