British media reported on Thursday that Mercedes was considering signing Daniel Ricciardo. Formula 1 record world champion Lewis Hamilton was later asked about the rumor. The Brit doesn’t think a role as reserve driver for the Silver Arrows is out of the question for the Australian.
Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza at the weekend, speculation continues in the paddock about Daniel Ricciardo’s future. The “Daily Mail” recently claimed that Mercedes would consider signing the Australian. The plan, the tabloid reported, sees Ricciardo in the role of reserve driver in the 2023 season before the 33-year-old can then take over the cockpit from Lewis Hamilton in 2024.
However, Hamilton thinks little of these business games, as he stated on Thursday at the official FIA press conference. “First of all, I think he [Ricciardo] Should race,” said the seven-time world champion. The Australian was “far too talented” for a role as a reservist: “He has earned the right to race with us.”
Hamilton to Ricciardo: “Sorry boy”
Should Ricciardo, contrary to expectations, switch to Mercedes, it would be “great”, said Hamilton: “But I think that the role of third driver is not the right place for him. If I managed him, then he would [im nächsten Jahr] drive.”
The rumors about a Ricciardo change only came up because nobody knows how long Lewis Hamilton will be in the cockpit with the Silver Arrows. Some believe a retirement after the 2023 season is extremely realistic. But the Brit himself is far from dealing with it.
“There have been these stories about my retirement for years. But I feel healthier than ever, that’s my focus. I feel fit and I love what I do. I don’t plan to stop anytime soon,” said Hamilton, who then followed turned to Ricciardo sitting next to him and joked, “Sorry boy.”