Photo: Race Pictures
While Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll took on the Nordschleife, Mercedes – in line with McLaren – will instead run on the track’s Grand Prix configuration.
Running is planned for later this month, during what was meant to be the race week of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. That event, together with the Bahrain Grand Prix, was scrapped due to the situation in the Middle East, leaving the championship to resume in May with the Miami Grand Prix. The session won’t be accessible to spectators, as it will take place entirely behind closed doors.
Speaking on the Beyond The Grid, Daniel Ricciardo looked back on the final phase of his F1 career, from his difficult split with McLaren to his eventual retirement in 2024. After losing his McLaren seat at the end of 2022, Ricciardo admitted he briefly questioned whether it was time to walk away. Despite the doubts, a lingering inner drive pushed him to keep going, leading him to shut out external noise and focus on what he really wanted.
That mindset led to a mid-season comeback in 2023, following a test at Silverstone Circuit, where he returned as Nyck de Vries’ replacement. But just a few races in, a minor crash left him with a broken hand, forcing him to miss several rounds.
The setback sparked further doubts, though Ricciardo remained convinced he still had unfinished business. He went on to complete one more season before being dropped again — a turning point he now sees as decisive.
Having been let go twice in two years, he admitted the experience left him mentally drained. In hindsight, Ricciardo feels that decision ultimately brought clarity, closing a chapter that had become increasingly difficult.
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool