In the wake of massively contrasting fortunes for Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton during the Chinese GP weekend, Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle believes the Australian could replace the four-time world champion for 2019.
Last weekend in Shanghai was the biggest signal yet that the era of Mercedes domination is over with Ferrari dominating qualifying on a circuit the German manufacturer has scored pole at each year since 2012.
Then in the race, the Briton himself conceded he felt in “no-mans land” as he floundered in fourth or fifth for much of the race, eventually achieving the prior.
But his overall demeanour was a talking point with former world champion Nico Rosberg seeing flashbacks to 2016.
“Lewis is not in form but he’s always had such phases,” Rosberg told German broadcaster RTL.
“If he’s not confident, he starts to think and he makes mistakes. I’m curious to see if he comes back in Baku.”
But with Ricciardo now the hottest commodity in the driver market and a delay in Hamilton signing a new contract with Mercedes, former McLaren driver Brundle is wondering if a shock is on the cards.
“Let me throw this outrageous curveball. Hamilton doesn’t seem particularly happy at the moment and I can imagine he will be super expensive to hire for his next Merc contract too,” he was quoted by PlanetF1.
“If that isn’t already signed, would Mercedes go for the four-and-a-half-year younger Ricciardo instead? Sponsorship agreements might complicate that.”
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The Red Bull driver himself was also coy on making any statements about his future in the elation of securing his sixth career win.
“Obviously getting a win is nice, but I guess the plan was to try and hold off a little bit [on making a decision],” Ricciardo claimed.
“Today we had really strong pace in the second half of the race and I think once we get to Europe it will probably start to balance itself out. All three teams have had their moments so far this season.
“It’s interesting, it’s fun, and I don’t think today will hurt my position. It’s a good day.”
Motorsport advisor for the Austrian energy drinks giant, Helmut Marko, is suddenly a lot more possessive of the 28-year-old, however.
“Herr (Mr.) Wolff already fell on his face with Max Verstappen, and he’ll fall on his face again with Daniel Ricciardo,” he declared.