Ricciardo "would love to go up against Lewis"
The Australian is a free agent for 2019 and has hinted that he would relish the chance to go up against Lewis Hamilton.
The 2018 Formula 1 campaign is yet to begin, but there is already growing intrigue about how the driver market will develop for the 2019 season.
While Sebastian Vettel is secure at Ferrari and Max Verstappen has a long-term deal at Red Bull, each of their teammates are without contracts for 2019.
Having signed a new deal last season Max has every reason to smile. (Pic: Sutton Images)
Even more significantly, both Mercedes drivers are free agents for next year. While it is seen as a formality that Lewis Hamilton will extend his stay with the Silver Arrows, the identity of his future teammate is likely to be one of the biggest stories of 2018.
Valtteri Bottas is seen as a steady pair of hands, but the Finn was brought in at short notice and suffered some worrying dips in form during 2017.
That has led to speculation that Mercedes will use their position as the sport’s dominant team to secure an even stronger partner for Hamilton. Of the choices on offer, Daniel Ricciardo represents the most convincing case for a potential Lewis-beater.
Could Ricciardo take the fight to Lewis? (Pic: Sutton Images)
Ricciardo’s contract expires at the end of 2018 and he has made it clear that he is considering his options for the future. The news that Verstappen had signed a lucrative new deal late last year seemed to unsettle Ricciardo and led to speculation that he will look elsewhere.
Following the conclusion of the 2017 campaign the Australian said that his next contract will be the “most important” of his career, as it is likely to decide if he can fight for a world title.
And, speaking to Racer.com about teammates this week, Ricciardo said he “would love to go up against Lewis at some point, irrespective of the team situation.”
While his words were carefully chosen to not hint at a move to Mercedes, there is almost no chance of Hamilton racing for Red Bull. For the two to go head-to-head, Ricciardo would need to switch to the German manufacturer.
Might Bottas need to make way for Ricciardo? (Pic: Sutton Images)
Ricciardo added that he holds no fear of a strong teammate: "To be the best you have to go against the best. I've certainly got a good one alongside me now with Max.”
He was also teammate to Vettel during 2014 and is the only driver to date to beat the German over a season in the same car. It is for this reason that a switch to Ferrari seems unlikely.
Ultimately, Red Bull remains Ricciardo’s most likely home for 2019. The team has no obvious replacement and knows that the Australian can push Verstappen extremely hard, making him their clear first choice
But, while going up against Hamilton at his team would be no easy task, it could be a shrewd move. Lewis is entering the end phase of his career – he will be 34 by the time the 2019 campaign starts – while Verstappen can still develop significantly.
Beating a veteran Hamilton in equal machinery might be more achievable than overcoming a young and extremely hungry Verstappen.
The move would make sense for Mercedes, too. Ricciardo is a proven winner but does not come with a combustible personality. While pairing Hamilton with Verstappen, Vettel or Alonso would be risky, signing the Australian would not.
Seeing Ricciardo at the Silver Arrows would certainly be intriguing, but there are plenty of twists to come in the driver market before any firm decisions are made.
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