DANIEL RICCIARDO is in talks to become Mercedes’ reserve driver for the 2023 season.
The outgoing McLaren racer, 33, does not have a seat on the grid for next year but has made it clear his plan to stay involved in the sport ahead of a return to F1 in 2024.
And while he is also thought to be discussing a role with Red Bull, Mercedes are the frontrunners to secure the Australian as their third driver.
Speaking ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told Sky Sports: “I think Daniel is speaking to a few teams about a potential role, also Red Bull.
“For us, we very much like him, he’s a great character but we are not in a position yet who is going to be our third driver.”
When asked what he adds to a team, Wolf then continued: “Personality, and he’s been around for a long time.
“He knows these cars inside out so that could be really advantageous.
“But I don’t want to put any rumours out there because we haven’t decided.”
Eight-time Grand Prix winner Ricciardo joined McLaren in 2021 but has struggled to compete with team-mate Lando Norris.
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He did hand the team their only victory of last season at Monza, but ultimately finished 45 points behind Norris in the drivers’ championship.
And this year it has been even more of a struggle for the ex-Red Bull man.
Ricciardo has finished in the points just six times, racking up 35 compared to Norris’ 111.
But the Aussie remains determined to return to the sport in 2024 and has admitted some time out of the car could be a positive.
He said: “I can confidently say that I won’t be on the grid behind a wheel [next year].
“But I still want to be in the sport, and I want to be working with a team still with the ambition to be back on the grid in 2024.
“I feel like a bit of time away from a race seat will do me good, and then try to rebuild on something for 2024.
“I’m not done but it will look a bit different.”
