Formula One news: Lewis Hamilton knocks back Ricciardo, Mercedes rumours

Daniel Ricciardo is yet to confirm his future F1 plans and despite being linked with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton does not want the Aussie ace at his team.

It seems unlikely that Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia will be teammates next year. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Daniel Ricciardo says he is keeping his options open for next season as he looks for new employers following the early termination of his contract with McLaren.

The popular Australian has seven races left with the British team, the countdown starting at Monza this weekend where he won 12 months ago.

“I’m really assessing everything. In short, I don’t have anything teed up yet; I don’t have anything confirmed,” he said at Thursday’s press conference ahead of the Italian Grand Prix.

“I think when I do, I’ll be the first to tell you, so there’s no reason for me to hold back information now, there’s no secrets – it’s kind of all open and out there,” he added.

“I’m sure over time the right thing – whatever that ends up being – will make sense. I think as well, it’s not just about what’s right for next year, it’s what’s right for my future – it goes beyond ‘23. It’s complex, but when I know, you will!”

It seems unlikely that Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia will be teammates next year. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

HAMILTON DISMISSES RICCIARDO BACKUP TALK

Earlier this week it emerged that Mercedes were interested in signing Ricciardo as a reserve driver for next season if he is not able to find a role as a full-time driver. It is understood that any contract would not be connected to Lewis Hamilton’s future.

Hamilton dismissed any suggestions that Mercedes were lining Ricciardo up as his replacement and instead insisted that the eight-times race-winner should be on the grid, not working on the sidelines.

“I think he’s far too talented and he’s earned the right to be among us all racing,” Hamilton added. “If I was managing him, he’d be racing!”

Ricciardo refused to comment on the link with Mercedes but said he was open to offers.

“I’m keeping every option open,” Ricciardo said. “I still don’t know what next year looks like. As Lewis said earlier, I do want to be on the grid, I do want to race.”

MERCEDES TO START FROM THE BACK AT MONZA

Hamilton will start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after receiving a penalty for using too many engine parts.

Mercedes confirmed that the seven-times world champion has been forced to use a fourth power unit – one more than is permitted.

His third unit took a 45G impact during a crash with Fernando Alonso at the Belgium Grand Prix two races ago and was sent back to Mercedes’ headquarters in Brackley for further investigation; it was deemed beyond repair.

Hamilton and Mercedes continue to seek their first victory of the year, although a win here is unlikely given the dominant straight-line speed of the Red Bull. A win for Max Verstappen would extend his 109-point lead further with only seven races of the season remaining.

This article originally appeared in The Times

Originally published as Formula One news: Lewis Hamilton knocks back Ricciardo, Mercedes rumours