Hamilton cool on Ricciardo’s hopes of joining Mercedes next season

Lewis Hamilton has poured cold water on Daniel Ricciardo’s hopes of moving to Mercedes next year, writes Philip Duncan.

Ricciardo’s value has never been higher after he delivered the most dominant weekend of his grand prix career in Monaco.

The Australian topped every practice and qualifying session in Monte Carlo before nursing his wounded Red Bull over the line for his second victory of the campaign.

Ricciardo, whose Red Bull contract is up for renewal, moved ahead of Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in the standings and to within 38 points of Hamilton.

The 28-year-old has spoken of his desire to team up with Hamilton, while he can also count Mercedes boss Toto Wolff among his admirers. Bottas and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, 38, could yet be moved on at the end of the season, but Hamilton believes Ricciardo, pictured may have to extend his stay at Red Bull.

“I would imagine his future is at Red Bull,” Hamilton said. “He is one of the top drivers so I am sure there will be options for him, and it is only Ferrari and Mercedes among the top teams that he could consider.

“But currently here at this team that is unlikely and I don’t think that [Ricciardo joining Mercedes] is going to happen. I imagine at Ferrari that Kimi will want to continue, too. He is driving really well and doesn’t seem to be ageing so I think he will go on a bit longer.”