British newspaper believe this driver is being considered for Mercedes

From a forced period without a seat in Formula 1, to the most sought-after driver on the grid. It sounds highly unlikely, but according to the British newspaper Daily Mail, it is indeed reality: Daniel Ricciardo is "a leading candidate" to succeed Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

Exactly a year ago, Ricciardo was preparing for a season on the sidelines following his (forced) departure from McLaren. The Australian had completed a difficult period at the British team and was sidelined in favour of Oscar Piastri. No other team wanted Ricciardo, at least not to drive Grands Prix for. Eventually, Red Bull Racing picked up Ricciardo and became their third driver.

Will Red Bull Racing and Mercedes compete?

An underperforming Nyck de Vries was to thank for Ricciardo getting a second chance at AlphaTauri. Meanwhile, the veteran is seen as a serious contender to become Max Verstappen's teammate back at Red Bull in 2025, replacing Sergio Perez. It is no secret that team boss Christian Horner is keen on putting him in one of the Red Bull seats.

But with the sudden departure of Lewis Hamilton, a spot at Mercedes in 2025 also becomes vacant. "The Australian driver, who began last year as a reserve for Red Bull but earned a full-time drive with their junior team AlphaTauri (now Visa Cash App RB) due to stellar performances, is being considered for a promotion to Mercedes," the Daily Mail states.