'Ricciardo not back to Red Bull, signs with Mercedes as reserve driver'

Ted Kravtiz has suggested that Daniel Ricciardo will join Mercedes as a reserve driver next season. The German racing team have been looking for a replacement for Nyck de Vries, who left for AlphaTauri. So in that search, it seems they have finally ended up with Ricciardo, Ted Kravitz reports.

Ricciardo was actually due to enter his final contract year at McLaren in 2023, but due to disappointing results, the Woking-based team decided to tear up the commitment early. The Australian did not manage to find a permanent seat with another F1 team, but to still remain involved in the premier class of motorsport, he is now moving to Mercedes, according to the Sky Sports journalist.

No Red Bull return

The switch does not come as a complete surprise, as Ricciardo was already spotted in Mercedes' engine home in Singapore. Kravitz reveals after the US Grand Prix that there were also stories in the rumour circuit about a possible return to Red Bull Racing, but the Brit dismisses that as absolute nonsense.

Ricciardo and Mercedes themselves have not yet released anything at all about their upcoming marriage. We may have to wait a few weeks for that too.