Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo talks about vacant Mercedes seat
DANIEL RICCIARDO has conceded that the opportunity to drive for Mercedes is a tempting one - but not one he’ll be jumping at.
Daniel Ricciardo has been linked with a switch to Mercedes
There’s a lot of people that are tempted to jump into that Mercedes seat
Nico Rosberg retired at the end of the season after becoming F1 World Drivers’ Champion for the first time.
And now Mercedes are faced with the daunting task of replacing the 31-year-old, with Valtteri Bottas currently favourite to become Lewis Hamilton’s new team-mate.
But almost every driver on the grid has been linked with the empty seat including Red Bull’s Ricciardo.
The Brazilian’s return means Williams will allow Bottas to leave - but not without a hefty fee.
Williams currently pay Mercedes around £14million for their engines and they want to see that wiped out as a fee for allowing the Finn to leave.
Mercedes made an initial offer of more than £8m and are expected to pay the asking price, especially having been relieved of Rosberg’s £35m contract.