F1 pundit says Daniel Ricciardo should sign with Aston Martin and 'light up that place'

Renowned Formula 1 journalist Tom Clarkson has suggested that Aston Martin could be a "good place" for Daniel Ricciardo if he does not stay at McLaren.

Ricciardo has a contract with McLaren that runs until 2023, but there has been speculation that the deal could end at the conclusion of the current season. Both Ricciardo and McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown have admitted expectations are not yet being met.

Four-time former world champion Sebastian Vettel is currently on the books of Aston Martin alongside Lance Stroll, son of team owner Lawrence Stroll.

Vettel's future with the team beyond this season is in doubt and Clarkson feels Ricciardo would be a good fit.

READ: OPINION | Why Daniel Ricciardo's poor McLaren form could mean his F1 exit

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Clarkson said: "Sebastian Vettel, I think there's a bit of speculation about his future. He's publicly said, 'I don't know what I'll do next year'.

"If he were to leave Aston Martin at the end of this year and if Daniel Ricciardo were to leave McLaren, I could see that being a good place for Ricciardo to end up. It's a small - okay, it's getting bigger - but it's still got a small-team mentality. I think Daniel would be welcomed. I think his personality would light up that place, and he would very quickly get the team around him."

If Aston Martin were to sign Ricciardo, current evidence shows they would not be signing an in-form driver. Ricciardo is currently being beaten soundly at McLaren by teammate Lando Norris.