After being brutally fired from McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo has found an unexpected option in F1 powerhouse Mercedes.
Despite having a season left on his enormous $20 million per year deal, the undesired Australian was fired by his fellow countryman Oscar Piastri, leaving him without a position on the grid for 2023.
Ricciardo has been linked to Williams and Haas as his choices are rapidly running out, and it was revealed following the Dutch GP last weekend that the 33-year-old may possibly take a 12-month break from racing.
Daniel Ricciardo wants to shift to Mercedes after being fired from Mclaren
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The driver, who was born and bred in Perth, has said he is “open-minded” about his possibilities for the upcoming season.
If Ricciardo is willing to take a backseat, the move would be advantageous for all parties given that George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are now Mercedes’ two proven lead drivers.
The individual affirmed that he will investigate all of his choices.
‘I’m pretty open-minded with any scenario. I think there’s pros and cons with all of it,’ Ricciardo said.
‘That’s why I kind of want to hear everything. Even if it’s a reserve, I don’t want to be too proud to say I’m too good for that.
‘I just want to hear everything and see what makes sense.’
Scribe F1 A transfer to Mercedes, according to Joe Saward, may “boost Daniel Ricciardo’s confidence.”
After finishing 17th in his most recent race at the Dutch Grand Prix, Ricciardo revealed he spoke with Piastri and his management Mark Webber to set the record straight and make sure there were no unresolved issues.
Oscar Piastri has replaced Daniel Ricciardo in McLaren Image credit: Reuters
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‘I’ve spoken to Oscar and just made sure that there are no bad feelings there,’ he said.
‘He’s trying to get into Formula One. This moment should be really big for him.
‘I don’t want to make it a bad situation for him, and that’s that. It’s nothing personal.
‘So that’s all the conversation was. I truly do wish him well. I want him to have a good run in Formula One.’
The Italian Grand Prix kicks off the F1 season this weekend, and coverage begins at 11 p.m. (AEST) on Sunday.
In Monza last September, Ricciardo finished ahead of teammate Lando Norris to lead McLaren to a one-two finish.
