Toto Wolff is remaining tight-lipped over potential links that could see Daniel Ricciardo join Mercedes in a third-driver Formula 1 role. Ricciardo is leaving McLaren at the end of the 2022 season, having failed to live up to expectations and struggled badly with the car during his two-year stint in Woking. He has signalled his intention to stay in F1 but, with only one seat race up for grabs at Haas, he has already admitted that he will not be racing in the 2023 championship. The Australian is open to the idea of staying on in a reserve driver role, and has been talking to both Mercedes and old team Red Bull about the possibility, with RacingNews365.com understanding that a potential deal with Mercedes is in the offing . However, boss Wolff has cooled such suggestions, only saying that Ricciardo is "a great character" and one Mercedes "likes".
Wolff on Ricciardo
Mercedes is on the hunt for a new third and reserve driver after both Nyck De Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne decided to pursue new opportunities. De Vries will join AlphaTauri for the 2023 season in a race seat, while Vandoorne will dovetail his Formula E title defence with the reserve and test role at Aston Martin in F1. Despite the vacancy, Wolff was adamant no decision had been made. "I think he is speaking to a few teams about a potential role, and I think Red Bull [is one of them]," he told media, including RacingNews365.com "For us, we very much like him and he is a great character, but we are not in a position yet to decide who going to be reserve and third driver. "He's been around for a long time, and he knows these cars inside out, so that can be really advantageous. "But I don't want to put any rumours out there because we haven't decided."
Ricciardo on his future
Speaking after a strong seventh place finish, Ricciardo reiterated his desire to resolve the questions around his future and 'keep his foot in the door'. "The truth is, I am talking to pretty much everyone to try and sort out my future," Ricciardo told media. "Part of me would love come full circle and get back to where it all started (Red Bull) but at the moment, nothing has been decided or confirmed. "I'm looking at my options and hopefully I'll stay in the paddock with my foot in the door." The eight-time Grand Prix winner has previously ruled out a switch to the IndyCar or NASCAR series in America, hinting that a year off from racing would be of interest if he can't secure a reserve driver berth.
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