The 2022 driver’s market has been nothing short of dramatic. Starting off with Sebastian Vettel’s exit, it’s been a wild month for F1. One of the more shocking moments, however, was learning that fan-favorite Daniel Ricciardo has been given the boot by McLaren. While whispers of a seat at Alpine or Haas roam the paddock, a new team has entered the hubbub- 8x champions, Mercedes.
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Daniel Ricciardo was envied for his late-braking antics at Red Bull, and soon moved to Renault and proved his salt. He thought a move to McLaren would be the cherry on top of the cake. Little did he know it would become his worst nightmare. After being sacked by the Papaya team, he still has a glimmer of hope of fighting to win, or so it seems.
One hot rumor circulating the paddock is that Daniel Ricciardo could become Mercedes‘ reserve driver from the 2023 season onwards. This also catches some heat after Toto Wolff proclaimed, “We always had an eye on Daniel… we really like him in here.”.
If Lewis Hamilton decides to call time on his Formula 1 career, Ricciardo would be in the hot seat for that Mercedes drive. But how do the fans rate this transfer rumor? Is it really that lucrative for the Honey Badger? Should he consider sitting on the sidelines whilst Mercedes decide his racing future?
Fans react as the Daniel Ricciardo-Mercedes rumor intensifies
Fans have lapped up this Ricciardo to Mercedes news. Although, the main point of contention is the fact that the Australian may have to sit on the sidelines for a considerable amount of time. Fans have now spoken about what they think should happen if this rumor is, in fact, true.
On the one hand, fans have cooked up some astonishing timelines, while others laughed at the hilarity of this year’s silly season.
Holy shit. Might be a key in for a Williams seat since we all know that’s really the Mercedes’ reserve spot
Rumours that Daniel Ricciardo could become the reserve driver for Mercedes are true. Mercedes are looking to switch around their reserve team for the 2023 season and DR’s team approached them first and since then have had brief talks. Let’s see what happens… #DutchGP #F1
“Here is why Daniel Ricciardo should become part of Mercedes’ family if he doesn’t find a seat elsewhere”
Other fans took a more pragmatic view.
Who would want him? I mean they have devris who is literally a world champion and also Stefan. So there is no reason, especially considering his performance and his pace. The only option for Daniel is to drive for Haas. And if he doesn't choose than he is never coming back
Too much talent to sit on the sidelines, Hulkenberg has proven that becoming a reserve driver doesn’t guarantee a seat the next year. Give the role to Vesti alongside F2?
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What do you think about this potential match-up? Ricciardo is undoubtedly a talented driver that needs a team ecosystem to help him thrive. Mercedes needs a team leader in case Hamilton decides to leave and Russell can’t match up. Is this the best for both parties involved? Let us know in the comments below.