Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo has been ruled out of contention for the vacant Mercedes Formula 1 seat in 2025, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Marko clarified that Ricciardo has a long-term contract with Red Bull and is not available for the position. With Lewis Hamilton set to join Ferrari next year, Mercedes is currently searching for a driver to partner with George Russell. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff stated that they are not in a hurry to name a replacement and are still undecided on the direction they want to take. Ricciardo, a multiple-time grand prix winner, would have been an ideal candidate due to his experience, but it seems he will not be an option for Mercedes in 2025.
Ricciardo expressed that he was not taken aback by the revelation that Hamilton will be departing from Mercedes and joining Ferrari. However, he did admit that he was caught off guard by the timing of the announcement.
“I wasn’t surprised in the sense that I could envision him in a red suit,” he stated.
“When considering his career and the legacy aspect, it made sense. Additionally, Ferrari is a formidable team, so he will certainly have a chance to win there.
“But what threw me off was the timing. I believe there are internal factors that led to the early announcement, which I am not privy to.
However, it was the timing that caught me off guard more than his move to Ferrari.”
While Hamilton’s impending departure has created challenges for Mercedes, Ricciardo believes that the advance notice will allow the team to adequately prepare.
“Looking at Mercedes now, they have an entire year to strategize and make decisions,” he explained. “Given their position, they are in no hurry.
“They will evaluate all options, assess the performance of current drivers, and consider the driver market. So, for a team like Mercedes, it is a favorable situation to be in.”
According to the Source motorsportweek.com