Daniel Ricciardo is reportedly in talks with Mercedes over joining the F1 team as back-up driver for the 2023 season.
The Australian has endured a difficult 2022 and has since been axed by McLaren with his contract coming to an end at the conclusion of the current campaign. Oscar Piastri is set to replace Ricciardo as Lando Norris' new teammate.
Speculation has been rife over his future, and while there only appears to be seats available with Williams and Haas, a spot with Mercedes could become available as the F1 giants consider life after Lewis Hamilton.
Talks are currently underway between Ricciardo and Mercedes for him to become their reserve driver and they are now at an 'advanced level', according to French outlet Canal+.
It comes after Ricciardo was spotted leaving the Mercedes garage ahead of the recent Singapore Grand Prix.
Ricciardo is believed to be under consideration from Mercedes if Hamilton does not extend his contract past 2023. However, he is likely to come in as back-up if current reserve Nick De Vries joins Alpha Tauri.
While Mercedes are confident of Hamilton signing a new deal, there remains uncertainty with the Brit indicating he has grown disillusioned with the sport in recent times.
Mark Webber spoke to Ricciardo in Singapore and went on to suggest that Mercedes could be a good opportunity for the Australian.
"I still don't think he's sure. A Merc reserve driver role? Who knows how long Lewis (Hamilton) is going to go on for? Merc, a pretty handy operation, so it's something he might consider.," Webber said.
Ricciardo will look to end his time with McLaren on a high in the remaining weeks of the season following his fifth-placed finish in Singapore, while Hamilton could only come in ninth after another frustrating weekend on and off the track.
