Lewis Hamilton has claimed Daniel Ricciardo “should be racing” despite rumours the McLaren driver could male a switch to Mercedes. He stressed Ricciardo was “too talented” to not be on the grid next season and admitted the Australian had “earned the right” to be racing.
Hamilton said: “I think he should be racing . I think he’s far too talented to. He’s earned the right to be amongst us all racing. Of course if he’s a part of our team it would be great but mean third [driver] role isn’t really a thing.
“If I was managing him, he would be racing.” It comes after speculation Mercedes were looking at the former Red Bull star as a receive driver option from next season.
He could then become Hamilton’s potential replacement at the Silver Arrows if the seven-time champion decided to walk away. A source told the Daily Mail: “Mercedes are thinking about Ricciardo to cover off the possibility of (Hamilton) walking away at the end of next season.
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“There are no secrets. It’s kind of all open and out there. I definitely, I’m sure over time the right thing whatever that ends up being will make sense. I think as well it’s not just what’s right for next year, it’s what’s right for my future. It goes beyond 2023.”
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