Daniel Ricciardo is reportedly at an advanced stage of negotiations to join Mercedes as a reserve driver for 2023.
The Australian driver, who will leave McLaren at the end of the season and have his spot taken up by fellow countryman Oscar Piastri, was seen exiting the Mercedes hospitality section at the Singapore Grand Prix.
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And according to French TV station Canal+, Ricciardo’s supposed appearance in the Silver Arrows’ hospitality suite was no accident as he joins the team as a back-up driver to George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
With a move to Mercedes firmly in the pipeline, it slams the door shut on further speculation surrounding the Perth native’s future.
Starting roles on the grid next season were available, but perhaps not at the level of competition Ricciardo desired.
A return to Alpine, formerly Renault, was one option.
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However, it appears Alpine will instead target AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly.
There were also openings at Haas and Williams, but neither seemed an attractive option for Ricciardo both competitively and salary-wise, given only four other drivers on the grid are paid more than him.
A move to Mercedes also puts Ricciardo firmly in the frame if and when seven-time world champion Hamilton retires.
The 37-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the 2023 season, but Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has previously claimed the Brit plans on racing for several years to come.
Despite an underwhelming season to date, Ricciardo gave fans and the rest of the grid a timely reminder of his ability at the Singapore GP.
Starting in 16th, Ricciardo powered home to secure a fifth-place finish, his best of the season, as teammate Lando Norris crossed the line just one place ahead of him.
