Ricciardo does not change plan due to Hamilton's announcement

Daniel Ricciardo has no problem with Lewis Hamilton wanting to extend his contract at Mercedes. In fact, the Australian revealed at the press conference that he hopes Hamilton will sign on. The question is what this means for Ricciardo's future.

Ricciardo has not found a permanent seat in Formula 1 for 2023 and would reportedly opt to take on a reserve role at Mercedes. Through that role, the 33-year-old driver would then hope to secure a permanent seat at a top team in 2024. The most logical choice in that regard seemed to be Mercedes, but that will be a lot more difficult.

Ricciardo out of Formula 1

Indeed, Hamilton has announced that he wants to extend his contract expiring at the end of 2023 and is even considering a multi-year deal with Mercedes. George Russell is also on a long-term contract and is Mercedes' former junior. Ricciardo's chances at Mercedes therefore do not seem too good for 2024.

''The truth is I want him to stay in the sport. He's one of the greatest ever to do it and I think competing with him, going wheel to wheel with him is fun, it's awesome, it's normally at the pointy end so I certainly wish to do that more in the future. And that's where it currently lies,'' said Ricciardo ahead of the United States Grand Prix.

''So I think my future will be, let's say, I don't think it's relative to what others do. I think it's, how do I say it, like opportunities will arise when they do, but I'm not banking on anyone doing something so I can find my way. I want to take the time necessary, let's say, keep a little bit of distance to the sport and let's say rebuild myself, but then yeah, if something makes sense in ‘24, come back with a vengeance and have some fun and hopefully race at the front,'' the McLaren driver concludes.