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Toto Wolff confirms that Mercedes DID try to sign Daniel Ricciardo for 2023, as the team boss admits that the lure of “coming home” to Red Bull made him miss the opportunity to capture the Australian
Toto Wolff has revealed that Mercedes was in the race to sign Daniel Ricciardo for 2023, but the lure of ‘coming home’ to Red Bull saw the Silver Arrows miss out on the Australian.
sports mail reported earlier this year that Mercedes had tipped Ricciardo as a possible successor to Lewis Hamilton after the Australian’s contract with McLaren broke down a year earlier amid a poor 2022 campaign.
However, Red Bull won the race to sign the 33-year-old, announcing him as its ‘third driver’ for the 2023 season late last month.
Toto Wolff has admitted that Mercedes tried to sign Daniel Ricciardo for the 2023 season
“Yes, there were discussions,” Wolff confirmed via GP Fans. ‘He is a super boy. There is nothing to say. It’s a shame he’s not in a cockpit because Daniel Ricciardo needs to be in a race car.
‘But it didn’t happen. Nobody understands why the years at McLaren were not like all the previous years. I remember Daniel from the junior series and he was always there.
Ricciardo marked himself as a star in the making during his time at Red Bull’s youth ranks, and Wolff has admitted that the Australian’s fond memories at Red Bull worked against him.
“Basically we just needed time to figure out what we wanted to do and Red Bull was home for a long time,” added Wolff.
“He knows the people and I hope he gets a good deal there.”
Ricciardo was a sought-after man after his early departure from McLaren following a poor season.
But Wolff says Mercedes could not compete with Red Bull’s offer to ‘come home’ next year
After his return to Red Bull was confirmed, Ricciardo said: “The smile says it all, I’m really excited to return to Oracle Red Bull Racing as their third driver in 2023.
‘I already have so many great memories of my time here, but the welcome from Christian, Dr. Marko and the entire team is something I truly appreciate.
“Personally, for me, the ability to contribute and be surrounded by the best F1 team is very attractive, while also giving me some time to recharge and refocus.”
‘I can’t wait to be with the team and support with simulator work, test sessions and commercial activities. Let’s go!’