F1 News: Daniel Ricciardo Responds To Mercedes Rumours - "No Rush"
Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) driver Daniel Ricciardo appeared as one of the potential candidates to fill Lewis Hamilton's seat in Mercedes in 2025 after the seven-time world champion makes the switch to Ferrari. But the Australian driver has responded to the rumors, suggesting that he isn't looking that "far ahead" yet.
Hamilton shocked the world early this month after announcing that he was leaving Mercedes for Ferrari next year. He will be replacing Carlos Sainz, who is yet to secure a seat for the period beyond 2024.
While Mercedes announced that it would take its own sweet time to look for a suitable replacement alongside lead driver George Russell, the news has shaken the driver market, especially since several driver contracts are scheduled to expire at the end of the current year.
Ricciardo is one of them, as his name appeared in several reports that pushed him as a potential candidate. Now though, the 34-year-old driver has responded to the reports, claiming that it is too early to take a call and that he is happy not being a part of the "silly season". Speaking to the media, he said:
"I'm definitely not looking that far ahead.
"At this part of my career, looking ahead feels a bit like a year closer to the end. So it's more reason for me to be here now and really take it race by race.
"I guess in their [Mercedes'] position, they are in no rush. So they will judge everyone, how they are doing, the driver market, whatever. So I think this is a good position for them.
"Part of me is also happy not to be involved in all this crazy stuff, especially this early in the season. So if the silly season happens without me, that's fine with me at this point."
Maybe, Ricciardo has other plans for his future, especially since he was mentioned as a potential Sergio Perez replacement, whose Red Bull contract expires after the 2024 season. Not to forget the report where Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko accidentally revealed that Ricciardo was committed to a long-term contract extending beyond 2024.
