Wolff admits Ricciardo signing for Red Bull
"I hope he will sign a good deal there"
Toto Wolff admits Daniel Ricciardo is poised to sign a contract with Red Bull for 2023.
The McLaren refugee had reportedly been in talks about a third driver role with both Red Bull, for whom he raced in Formula 1 previously, and fellow top team Mercedes.
"There were certainly discussions," Mercedes boss Wolff confirms. "Plus, he’s a great guy, of course.
"It’s a real pity that Daniel doesn’t have a seat, because he just belongs in a race car. I don’t think anyone really understands why it didn’t work out between him and McLaren because he was so good in the years before."
Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko backtracked in Abu Dhabi after saying Ricciardo, 33, has already signed up for a third driver and brand ambassadorial role for 2023.
But it is clear that a signature is imminent - and that Mercedes did not secure a deal with the Australian.
"Perhaps we just needed too much time to think about what we wanted," Wolff said. "Plus, Red Bull is his home, he knows the people and I hope he will sign a good deal there."
Mercedes F1
Wolff: We see the errors in it but we have something for Miami
2025 F1 ’silly season’ nearing boiling point
Perez admits pushing for two-year Red Bull deal
Marko ’surprised’ by ongoing three-year Mercedes slump
More on Mercedes F1
Red Bull
Checo can be in F1 for ten more years - father
Upgrades keep McLaren on path to beating Red Bull
Ferrari scrambles to prepare updates for Miami, Imola
2025 F1 ’silly season’ nearing boiling point
’Almost everything’ points at new Perez deal - Marko
More on Red Bull