Lewis Hamilton says Daniel Ricciardo is “far too talented” for an early Formula 1 exit, but would welcome a possible reserve role at Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton says Daniel Ricciardo is “far too talented” to be a reserve driver in Formula 1, as new reports link the Australian racer with Mercedes in that role for 2023
Ricciardo is preparing to leave the McLaren squad he has driven for since the start of the 2021 season after the decision was made to replace him with Oscar Piastri for next year following a string of disappointing performances.
As he receives salary compensation from McLaren for the third year of his contract with the team, signed in 2020, Ricciardo could decide to take a year’s break from racing and instead work for another team as a reserve or third driver.
Hamilton: “If I was managing him, he would be racing!”
This is in case Ricciardo’s potential move to Alpine – considered increasingly unlikely given his decision to leave Renault for McLaren in 2021 – or a commitment from Haas or Williams does not materialise.
Ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, a report in the UK’s Daily Mail newspaper suggests Ricciardo could be considered as a Mercedes reserve driver for 2023.
When asked about the suggestion in the pre-race press conference at Monza, Hamilton, who will drive alongside George Russell at Mercedes in 2023, replied: “I personally think he should race.”
“He is far too talented to be [a third driver] and he has earned the right to be among us all. But of course it would be great if he was part of our team. But the reserve driver role is not really the best thing for him. If I was managing him, he would be racing!”
Ricciardo wants to keep “all options open “
Ricciardo, who sat next to Hamilton in the press conference, was also asked for his reaction to the report, to which he says he is “really looking at everything” regarding his plans for the future.
“The truth is that I’m keeping all options open not only for next year but also for the future,” Ricciardo added. “I still don’t know what next year will look like.”
“As Lewis said, I want to be on the grid and I want to race. I brought it up a few weeks ago, even though it’s been a difficult time in my career, it hasn’t taken away my love of the sport and desire to still be here and racing.”
“Obviously there’s been a lot of talk or thought about next year and beyond, but I’m not sure what that’s going to look like yet. “
Hamilton insists: “Have no plans to stop anytime soon!”
Hamilton’s current Mercedes contract only runs until the end of the 2023 season, meaning Ricciardo could step in as a reserve driver for the Silver Arrows to replace the seven-time world champion and race alongside Russell in 2024 if Hamilton decides to leave Formula One at the end of next season.
But Hamilton dismisses such speculation and again states his intentions regarding his Formula One future, saying he is seeking a new contract for 2024 and possibly beyond.
“For years it’s been up and down with stories about retiring and quitting,” the Briton says. “I feel healthier than I ever have. I feel fit, I love what I do. And I don’t plan to stop anytime soon – sorry mate [Ricciardo]!”
“But my goal has always been to be with Mercedes since I signed with them in 1997 [as a McLaren junior during the years when McLaren was the de facto Mercedes factory team, with its engine supply contract].”
“I think it’s great that we’ve had such a long partnership. I feel like we have a lot of really positive things going on – not only in the sport, but also outside of it. And I think we can still achieve a lot together.”
“I want to be a part of that. I think I will always be with Mercedes – until the day I die. I feel I can still race for quite a while. I will possibly steer in that direction. “
