F1 star Daniel Ricciardo ‘could make switch to Mercedes’ in radical move after McLaren axing

F1 powerhouse Mercedes has emerged as a shock option for Daniel Ricciardo following his brutal axing from McLaren.

The unwanted Aussie was ousted by compatriot Oscar Piastri despite having a season to run on his mammoth $20million-per-year contract – leaving him without a spot on the grid for 2023.

With options drying up fast, Ricciardo has been linked to Williams and Haas, while it emerged after the Dutch GP last weekend the 33-year-old may also take a 12 month sabbatical from the sport.

Haas team principle, cult Drive to Survive figure Guenther Steiner, reportedly approached Ricciardo prior to the mid-season break to gauge his interest.

But could a sensational move to Mercedes as a reserve driver be on the cards? 

F1 powerhouse Mercedes has emerged as a shock 2023 option for Daniel Ricciardo following his brutal axing from McLaren

Perth raised Ricciardo was replaced at McLaren by compatriot Oscar Piastri (pictured) despite having a season to run on his mammoth $20million-per-year contract

Adding to the speculation is the Perth raised driver stating he is ‘open minded’ when it comes to his options next year.

With Lewis Hamilton and George Russell the established two lead drivers for Mercedes, if Ricciardo is prepared to take a backward seat, the move may suit both parties.

The man himself confirmed he will explore all his options.

‘I’m pretty open minded with any scenario. I think there’s pros and cons with all of it,’ Ricciardo said.

‘That’s why I kind of want to hear everything. Even if it’s a reserve, I don’t want to be too proud to say I’m too good for that.

‘I just want to hear everything and see what makes sense.’ 

F1 scribe Joe Saward said a move to Mercedes may ‘build up the confidence’ of Ricciardo.

With Lewis Hamilton (pictured) and George Russell the established two lead drivers for Mercedes, Ricciardo would be a reserve option

After a disappointing 17th at the Dutch GP last start, Ricciardo revealed he caught up with young gun Piastri and his manager Mark Webber to clear the air and make sure there are no lingering tensions. 

‘I’ve spoken to Oscar and just made sure that there’s no bad feelings there,’ he said.

‘He’s trying to get into Formula One. This moment should be really big for him.

‘I don’t want to make it a bad situation for him, and that’s that. It’s nothing personal.

‘So that’s all the conversation was. I truly do wish him well. I want him to have a good run in Formula One.’

The F1 season resumes this weekend with the Italian Grand Prix, with coverage from 11pm (AEST) on Sunday.

Last September, Ricciardo led McLaren home in a one-two finish ahead of team mate Lando Norris in Monza.