George Russell drops huge Daniel Ricciardo hint as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff remains silent
George Russell has hinted that Daniel Ricciardo could join Mercedes next season moments after the Mexican Grand Prix. The former Williams star has suggested that the decision to join the Silver Arrows now rests with Ricciardo.
This raises speculation that an agreement between Ricciardo and the German manufacturer is close after talks between the two parties. The Mercedes driver made the comment when asked if he would like to see Ricciardo in the team next season.
Russell said: "Yes, I think it would be interesting. We'd love to see that, but it's up to Daniel what he wants to do with his future. Sky Sports host Simon Lazenby, gave Wolff a questioning look at Russell's remarks.
Wolff replied, "I didn't hear that." Lazenby added "I didn't say anything. I was insinuating it with my eyes."
READ MORE: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff 'totally surprised' by Red Bull gamble
Earlier this month, it was understood that Ricciardo was in advanced talks with the Silver Arrows over a move to multiple champions. Ricciardo was asked about his future in F1 after the Mexican Grand Prix, where he was voted 'driver of the day' by the fans.
The Aussie explained: "Listen, I can confidently say that I won't be on the grid driving. But I still want to be in the sport, I want to work with a team. Always with the ambition to be on the grid in 2024. I feel like a bit of time away from a racing seat will do me good and then build back on something for 2024.
"I'm not done, but it's going to be a little different." When asked if he knows where his destination will be next season, Ricciardo suggested he still hasn't signed a deal.
CAN'T MISS SF1 fans cringe at 'awkward' Mexican GP recovery room with Hamilton [HOW]Max Verstappen reacts after breaking new record with Mexican GP win [INSIGHT ]Lewis Hamilton reacts to crowd after being booed at Mexican GP [ANALYSIS ]
He added: "Honestly, I don't [know]. Honestly, I don't. I always talk to the teams. I obviously want to keep a foot in the door for 2024." Ricciardo addressed the rumors of Mercedes earlier this weekend by suggesting its future in F1 did not depend on the decisions of others.
It comes after Lewis Hamilton suggested he wanted to sign a contract extension, meaning he wouldn't leave at the end of the 2023 season. Ricciardo is rumored to replace the seven-time Silver champion Arrows if he decided to retire.
Ricciardo explained, "My future is not relative to what other people do. Opportunities will arise when they do. But I don't rely on someone doing something so that I can [intervene].
"I want to take the time I need, keep a little distance from sport, rebuild myself."
George Russell has hinted that Daniel Ricciardo could join Mercedes next season moments after the Mexican Grand Prix. The former Williams star has suggested that the decision to join the Silver Arrows now rests with Ricciardo.
This raises speculation that an agreement between Ricciardo and the German manufacturer is close after talks between the two parties. The Mercedes driver made the comment when asked if he would like to see Ricciardo in the team next season.
Russell said: "Yes, I think it would be interesting. We'd love to see that, but it's up to Daniel what he wants to do with his future. Sky Sports host Simon Lazenby, gave Wolff a questioning look at Russell's remarks.
Wolff replied, "I didn't hear that." Lazenby added "I didn't say anything. I was insinuating it with my eyes."
READ MORE: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff 'totally surprised' by Red Bull gamble
Earlier this month, it was understood that Ricciardo was in advanced talks with the Silver Arrows over a move to multiple champions. Ricciardo was asked about his future in F1 after the Mexican Grand Prix, where he was voted 'driver of the day' by the fans.
The Aussie explained: "Listen, I can confidently say that I won't be on the grid driving. But I still want to be in the sport, I want to work with a team. Always with the ambition to be on the grid in 2024. I feel like a bit of time away from a racing seat will do me good and then build back on something for 2024.
"I'm not done, but it's going to be a little different." When asked if he knows where his destination will be next season, Ricciardo suggested he still hasn't signed a deal.
CAN'T MISS SF1 fans cringe at 'awkward' Mexican GP recovery room with Hamilton [HOW]Max Verstappen reacts after breaking new record with Mexican GP win [INSIGHT ]Lewis Hamilton reacts to crowd after being booed at Mexican GP [ANALYSIS ]
He added: "Honestly, I don't [know]. Honestly, I don't. I always talk to the teams. I obviously want to keep a foot in the door for 2024." Ricciardo addressed the rumors of Mercedes earlier this weekend by suggesting its future in F1 did not depend on the decisions of others.
It comes after Lewis Hamilton suggested he wanted to sign a contract extension, meaning he wouldn't leave at the end of the 2023 season. Ricciardo is rumored to replace the seven-time Silver champion Arrows if he decided to retire.
Ricciardo explained, "My future is not relative to what other people do. Opportunities will arise when they do. But I don't rely on someone doing something so that I can [intervene].
"I want to take the time I need, keep a little distance from sport, rebuild myself."
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