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Mercedes Missed Ricciardo, Paid £10 M for Bottas

5/22/2026

23 4 Full Breakdown

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Story summary
  • Mercedes offered Daniel Ricciardo a seat to replace Nico Rosberg for 2017 F1 season, revealed by Sky Sports presenter Rachel Brookes in *Drive* (07/05/26).
  • Because Ricciardo remained under Red Bull contract, Mercedes signed Valtteri Bottas and paid Williams about £10 million to release him.
  • He won the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, moved to Renault, joined McLaren in 2021, won the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, and left the sport in September 2024.