Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career may forever be remembered as one of the sport’s greatest “what if” stories after fresh revelations claimed the Australian star turned down a race-winning move to Mercedes at the height of the team’s dominance. According to Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes in her new book Drive, Ricciardo had the opportunity to replace Nico Rosberg following the German driver’s shock retirement at the end of the 2016 season — a decision that could have completely rewritten modern F1 history.
At the time, Mercedes were entering one of the most dominant eras Formula 1 had ever seen. Lewis Hamilton went on to win four consecutive world championships between 2017 and 2020, while the Silver Arrows established themselves as the benchmark team on the grid. Ricciardo, meanwhile, remained loyal to Red Bull before later making surprise moves to Renault and McLaren, decisions that ultimately failed to deliver the championship challenge many expected from him during his peak years.
Brookes explained in her book that Mercedes were seriously interested in Ricciardo despite the Australian being contracted to Red Bull. In Formula 1, however, contracts have rarely stopped blockbuster transfers when enough money and ambition are involved. Ricciardo reportedly chose stability over risk at the time, believing Red Bull could eventually return to championship-winning form. Looking back now, many fans and analysts believe that decision became the defining turning point of his career.
The timing could hardly have been more significant. Mercedes needed a proven race winner to partner Hamilton after Rosberg’s retirement, and Ricciardo’s aggressive overtaking style, late-braking reputation, and consistent podium performances made him one of the grid’s hottest properties. Instead, the team signed Valtteri Bottas, who went on to win nine races and finish runner-up in the championship twice during his stint with the team.
For Ricciardo, the missed opportunity becomes even more painful when comparing achievements during that same period. While Bottas enjoyed regular victories in Mercedes machinery, Ricciardo managed only three wins after 2017 despite his undeniable talent. His later moves to Renault and McLaren were initially praised as bold career decisions, but neither produced the title-contending car he had hoped for. By the time McLaren began rebuilding into a competitive force again, Ricciardo had already lost momentum within the sport.
Many Formula 1 experts still believe Ricciardo possessed the raw talent needed to become world champion under the right circumstances. During his Red Bull years, he famously outperformed four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in 2014 and earned a reputation as one of the most fearless drivers on the grid. However, Formula 1 success is often determined by timing as much as ability, and Ricciardo’s career now serves as a reminder of how one major decision can alter a driver’s legacy forever.
The revelation also adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding driver loyalty versus career ambition in Formula 1. Some fans respect Ricciardo for backing Red Bull during a difficult transitional period, while others argue elite drivers must seize championship-level opportunities whenever they appear. In hindsight, joining Mercedes in 2017 may have offered the clearest path possible to achieving the world title that ultimately escaped him.
Ricciardo remained one of Formula 1’s most popular personalities throughout his career thanks to his charisma, humor, and fearless racing style. Even after stepping away from the sport in 2024, his fanbase remained massive worldwide, with many still wondering what could have happened had he lined up alongside Hamilton during Mercedes’ dominant era. The possibility of an internal title battle between the two drivers is now one of the sport’s great unanswered questions.
As Formula 1 continues evolving with younger stars like Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen shaping the future, Ricciardo’s story stands as both inspiration and cautionary tale. Talent alone is rarely enough to guarantee championships in F1. Sometimes, one contract decision can define an entire career — and for Daniel Ricciardo, turning down Mercedes may remain the move that changed everything.