Picture Credit: Twitter
Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is set to join the Mercedes Petronas team, next year, as a reserve driver according to multiple reports. The McLaren driver hasn’t been performing like his former self since the move to the British team last year. Similarly, he has been outperformed by his younger teammate Lando Norris.
Hence there have been multiple speculations about his future, especially after McLaren decided to sign Oscar Piastri and part ways with the Australian. One such major report surfaced stating that, Ricciardo's camp is now in 'advanced talks' with Mercedes about taking up a reserve driver role behind the British duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, according to Canal+.
A video has also been making the rounds on internet, where Ricciardo is seen exiting the Mercedes motorhome during the Singapore GP which has added fuel to the rumour mill.
Check the video here:
During the Japanese GP press conference, Ricciardo talked about how he's analysing his options right now and hasn't decided on anything yet. He further went ahead and also expressed that he has no secrets about what entails in his future.
Ricciardo said, “I’m really assessing everything. In short, I don’t have anything teed up yet, like, I don’t have anything confirmed. And I think when I do, I’ll be the first to tell you. So, there’s no reason for me to hold back any information now. There’s no secrets. It’s kind of all open and out there."
“I’m sure over time the right thing, whatever that ends up being, will make sense. And I think as well, it’s not just about what’s right for next year, it’s what’s right for my future. You know, it goes beyond 2023. So it’s complex, but when I know, you will,” he continued.
The former Red Bull driver comes into the Suzuka GP after recording his season-best finish at the Singapore GP. Ricciardo finished fifth behind his teammate Norris after starting 17th on the grid. He also had a decent performance in FP1 at Suzuka recording a time of 1:44.486 in his eight laps.