“We Are Not in a Position…”: Amid Red Bull Threat, Mercedes F1 Boss Toto Wolff Shares Latest Daniel Ricciardo Update

Daniel Ricciardo’s time at the McLaren F1 team ends with the 2022 F1 season. The Australian is yet to find himself a new team, as failing to do it will see him out of the sport next year. However, there is a slight chance for the Honey Badger to stay in the sport. Wolff, who sees the possibility, is not in the position to decide.

Wolff, the Mercedes AMG F1 team principal, did not rule out a move for the McLaren driver to Mercedes. It is worth mentioning that the role would be of the reserve driver. As Mercedes’ current reserve driver, Nyck de Vries found himself a seat in AlphaTauri next year, it leaves an opportunity wide open for the man from Australia.

However, Wolff did not put any confirmation on this as he conveyed, “For us, we very much like him, he’s a great character, but we are not in a position to decide who’s going to be the third driver.”

Wolff also revealed that Ricciardo “is speaking to a few teams about a potential role, also Red Bull.”

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As per the report published by the GP Fans, the Austrian international further stated, “He’s been around for a long time. He knows these cars inside out and that can be really advantageous. But I don’t want to put any rumors out there because we haven’t decided.”

Daniel Ricciardo consulted a psychologist during his most challenging year

Daniel Ricciardo didn’t have a great 2022 season with McLaren. The Australian driver could not live up to McLaren and fans’ expectations as he underperformed on multiple occasions. His lack of performance left him struggling for positions and points in driver’s championships.

This is Ricciardo’s second year with the British F1 team. The Australian joined the Woking-based team in 2021 and stated that last year has been the most challenging year in F1 so far. Failing to deliver on numerous occasions led the former Red Bull star to talk to a psychologist.

As per DailyMail, Ricciardo conveyed, “I started to speak to a psychologist last year — the most challenging year I have had.”

However, the 2021 season was better, compared to 2022 when it comes to statistics. Daniel Ricciardo picked up a win in Monza as well as finished his season with 115 points in P8 in the driver’s standings.

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When it comes to 2022, Ricciardo, till now, has picked up 35 points and is in P12, 5 spots behind his teammate. Lando Norris picked up 111 points and sits in P7. Ricciardo, who lost his seat to his compatriot Oscar Piastri a few months back, is still to sign for a team for next year.