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Lewis Hamilton Says Daniel Ricciardo Is “Far Too Talented” to Be a Mercedes Reserve Driver

Daniel Ricciardo’s tenure at McLaren is coming to an end this year, with the Australian driver still struggling to keep up with teammate Lando Norris in terms of pace. The British outfit has clearly seen enough and decided it would be best to move on with someone else.
Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo and George Russell from left to right 8 photos
Photo: LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo and George Russell from left to rightEsteban Ocon, Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo from left to rightMcLaren F1 driver Daniel RicciardoMcLaren F1 driver Daniel RicciardoMcLaren F1 driver Daniel RicciardoMcLaren F1 driver Daniel RicciardoMcLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo
Meanwhile, Ricciardo has yet to decide what’s next, preferring instead to take his time and not rush into anything.

“I’m really assessing everything. In short, I don’t have anything teed up yet; I don’t have anything confirmed,” he said during a press conference at Monza. “I think when I do, I’ll be the first to tell you, so there’s no reason for me to hold back information now, there’s no secrets – it's kind of all open and out there.”

He then went on to say: “I’m sure over time the right thing – whatever that ends up being – will make sense. I think as well, it’s not just about what’s right for next year, it’s what’s right for my future – it goes beyond ‘23. It’s complex, but when I know, you will!”

What’s interesting is that Ricciardo said these things with Lewis Hamilton alongside him, and when the latter was asked whether the McLaren driver could fill a reserve role at Mercedes next year, the seven-time world champion insisted against it.

“Well, I think he should be racing, personally. I think he’s far too talented and he’s earned the right to be amongst us racing. Of course, if he’s part of our team it’d be great, but a third [driver] role is not really, I think, what’s best for him. If I was managing him, he’d be racing!”

To say that Ricciardo has lacked pace this year would be an understatement. He’s currently P12 in the Driver Standings with just 19 points, while his teammate, Lando Norris, is seventh with 82 points.
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About the author: Sergiu Tudose
Sergiu Tudose profile photo

Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration.
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