Mercedes are considering a move for McLaren reject Daniel Ricciardo
EXCLUSIVE: Mercedes consider Daniel Ricciardo as a long-term replacement for Lewis Hamilton – who is only under contract until the end of 2022… and the Australian could become reserve driver for the Silver Arrows in 2023
- McLaren reject Daniel Ricciardo is being considered by Mercedes to join in 2023
- The Silver Arrows view the Australian as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, 38
- The seven-time World Champion only has a contract until the end of the season
Mercedes are planning for a future without Lewis Hamilton — with Daniel Ricciardo under consideration to replace him in 2024.
Hamilton is only signed up to the Silver Arrows until the end of next season, a few weeks short of his 39th birthday.
The seven-time world champion has not stated exactly when he will retire but Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is not leaving succession planning to chance, which is where Sportsmail understands Ricciardo comes into the reckoning.
F1 powerhouse Mercedes has emerged as a shock 2023 option for Daniel Ricciardo following his brutal axing from McLaren
With Lewis Hamilton (left) and George Russell the established two lead drivers for Mercedes, Ricciardo would be a reserve option
The Australian, 33, has been axed by McLaren for next season after a dip in form.
One idea under consideration by Mercedes is to enlist Ricciardo as a reserve driver for next season and have him ready to take over Hamilton’s race seat, if needed, and partner George Russell in 2024.
A well-placed source told Sportsmail: ‘Having Daniel in their camp means they wouldn’t be left high and dry.’
Toto Wolff’s team are not leaving their succession planning to chance
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