Daniel Ricciardo could become a reserve driver for Mercedes with a view to taking over from Lewis Hamilton after next season, according to a report.
The Aussie's F1 future is currently unclear, after he was told by McLaren that they would be letting him go a year earlier than planned. His axing comes in the wake of his failure to adapt to his car and produce consistent results since joining in 2021.
It leaves him with no guarantee of a seat on the grid next year. And if that were to happen, there is a chance Ricciardo's career in Formula 1 might be over for good.
But it has been reported by the Daily Mail that he may be thrown a lifeline by the Silver Arrows. They have to plan for a future that doesn't involve seven-time world champion Hamilton, whose current deal expires at the end of the 2023 season – shortly before he turns 39.
Hamilton has given no hint that he plans to retire at that point and has made it clear he will choose when he feels he has achieved all he wants to in the sport. But Mercedes feel it is important to have a plan in place in case he does not renew.
And so the Daily Mail has claimed the Silver Arrows' backup plan is based on Ricciardo. The report states the 33-year-old could be enlisted as a backup driver for next season, with a view to taking over from Hamilton if he does quit the sport at the end of the year.
A source told the newspaper: "Mercedes are thinking about Ricciardo to cover off the possibility of walking away at the end of next season. Having Daniel in their camp means they wouldn't be left high and dry. It would also mean George would be the main man from that point in 2024."
Ricciardo has already made it clear he "wouldn't give up on F1" if he couldn't find a race seat for next season. "If it means I'm not on the grid next year, I will still certainly try to find a way to be on there in 2024," he said defiantly last week.
"It's honestly the only racing I'm really interested in at the moment. My mindset is still 'I'm an F1 driver'. I am proud of what I've done, but I still feel there's a bit more to show or to give myself. I wouldn't race another category next year."
