P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has taken Daniel Ricciardo’s name out of the running for the vacant Mercedes Formula 1
Following Lewis Hamilton’s announcement that he will be joining Ferrari next year, Mercedes is currently searching for a driver to partner with George Russell. Mercedes CEO Toto Wolff stated that they are in no hurry to name a replacement and are undecided on the direction they want to take. Daniel Ricciardo, a multiple-time grand prix winner, is seen as an ideal candidate due to his experience. However, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that Ricciardo has a long-term contract with Red Bull and is not available for 2025. Although Ricciardo had been dropped by McLaren, he returned to the Red Bull stable last year and was given a chance in their second-string squad. Ricciardo’s focus is on delivering a strong season this year and he is not looking too far ahead, despite his ambition to return to the senior Red Bull team. The timing of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari surprised Ricciardo, but he acknowledges that the advance notice gives Mercedes ample time to prepare for the future.
