Daniel Ricciardo at an 'advanced stage of discussions' to join Mercedes' F1 team next season - reports

Daniel Ricciardo is at an “advanced stage of discussions” to join Mercedes next season, according to reports. Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 is uncertain after it was confirmed Oscar Piastri will replace him at the end of the year at McLaren. Ad The Australian has previously hinted that he could take a year out from F1 and make a bid to return to the sport for the 2024 season.

Singapore Grand PrixLeclerc claims pole at Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen in eighth01/10/2022 AT 14:10 Haas and Williams were thought to be the most likely destinations Ricciardo could go to for 2023. However, it is now reported that he is in talks with Mercedes to join as their back-up to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell next year, according to French TV station Canal+, via Crash. Ricciardo was reportedly spotted leaving the Mercedes hospitality in the paddock at last weekend's Singapore Grand Prix.

'Incredibly messy' — Verstappen rues missed chance to win world championship 'Really unfortunate' — Lewis Hamilton counts cost of mistakes at Singapore Grand Prix One possible scenario is that Ricciardo, 33, could end up being Hamilton’s replacement on the team, with the seven-time world champion four years his senior and with a contract that expires at the end of next season. There is no indication that Hamilton will leave Mercedes yet however, nor that he will retire, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s claiming the Englishman will remain in F1 for another five years. Ricciardo has previously said: “I'm still keen to be part of F1 and of course, 'Plan A' would be to be on the grid.