Lewis Hamilton says Daniel Ricciardo is “too talented” to become the Mercedes F1 team’s reserve driver in 2023.
Daniel Ricciardo joined McLaren on a three-year deal in 2021, but after a series of poor performances, the team canceled his contract a year early to replace Oscar Piastri in 2023. All eyes are on where to go next.
Daniel Ricciardo is understood to receive salary compensation from McLaren to cover his three-year deal with the team, taking a one-year sabbatical from Formula 1 racing for 2023 and instead serving as a reserve driver for another team. possibility has been reported.
This could mean a return to the Alpine F1 team formerly known as Renault (unlikely considering he left the team immediately after signing a two-year deal to join McLaren), or a deal with the Haas F1 team or Williams. It is a story in the case of death.
Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend at Monza, Britain’s Daily Mail reported that the role of reserve driver for the Mercedes F1 team in 2023 is a new possibility for Daniel Ricciardo.
Lewis Hamilton, who will race for the Mercedes F1 team alongside George Russell in 2023, was questioned about Daniel Ricciardo’s coverage at a press conference ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, saying: “I personally think he should race.” replied.
“He’s too talented to be a third driver and has earned the right to race with all of us.”
“Of course, if he’s part of our team, that’s great. But the third driver role isn’t really the best fit for him. If I was managing him, he wouldn’t be racing. will do!”
Asked for his reaction to the report, Daniel Ricciardo, who was sitting alongside Lewis Hamilton at the press conference, said he “really appreciates everything” regarding his future plans.
“The truth is that we are open to all options, not only for next year, but also for the future,” added Ricciardo.
“We don’t know yet what will happen next year. Like Lewis said, I want to be on the grid. I want to race.”
“As I mentioned a few weeks ago, it was certainly a challenging period in my career, but it didn’t take away from me my love for the sport and my desire to still be here and compete.”
“Obviously there are a lot of discussions and thoughts going on for next year and beyond, but we don’t know yet what it will be like.”
Lewis Hamilton’s current contract with the Mercedes F1 team only covers until the 2023 season, and the debate over Daniel Ricciardo’s reserve driver role has been raised if Hamilton decides to retire from F1 at the end of next season. He has hinted that he could race alongside George Russell in 2024.
However, Lewis Hamilton dismissed such speculation. He again outlined his intentions regarding the future of F1, saying he was “steering” towards a new contract for 2024 and beyond.
“Over the years, I’ve had the ups and downs of retirement talk,” said Lewis Hamilton.
“For me, I feel healthier than ever. (Ricardo)!”
“But my goal has always been to stay with Mercedes since I signed with them in 1997 (as a junior at McLaren, de facto Mercedes’ works team making engine supply arrangements). “
“I’m happy that we’ve had a long-term partnership. I feel like we’re embarking on something really positive, not just in sport, but outside, and there’s a lot we can achieve together.” think”
“So I want to be a part of that. I think I’ll be with Mercedes until the day I die. I feel like I can fight for a little longer. I’ll potentially steer towards that.”
Category: F1 / Lewis Hamilton