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Daniel Ricciardo linked to 'bombshell' move to Formula 1 powerhouse

Daniel Ricciardo could be about to live his Ferrari dream after all.

Less than 12 months after missing out on a seat with the Formula 1 powerhouse, a stunning new report claims the Aussie driver is on Ferrari’s wishlist.

It was widely reported that Ricciardo wanted to move from Red Bull to Ferrari before settling for Renault last year.

And according to Auto Action, that dream could become a reality in 2020.

The report claims Ferrari are keen to lure Ricciardo or Mercedes star Valtteri Bottas should Sebastian Vettel retire at the end of 2019.

“The bottom line is that Mercedes is very likely to retain Bottas, and Vettel is unlikely to retire at the end of this season,” Auto Action reported.

“But Ferrari has initiated moves to make sure it is not suddenly left without two top drivers in 2020, and Ricciardo and Bottas are at the top of the wish list for the Prancing Horse team.”

Daniel Ricciardo could be leaving Renault. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Daniel Ricciardo could be leaving Renault. (Photo by Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Would Vettel leave early?

Vettel and Ricciardo are both contracted to their respective teams until the end of 2020, but a retirement and a bombshell contract clause could change that.

Auto Action also claims Ricciardo has a get-out clause in his deal with Renault should a seat at Ferrari or Mercedes become available.

After a shocker at the Bahrain Grand Prix recently, Vettel said his “contract is just a piece of paper”.

“I’m certain I really want to drive this year and next year, then I don’t know what happens to the regulations,” he told The Times.

“Nobody knows so far. I certainly can’t sit here and say, ‘No [I won’t leave]’ just for the sake of being in Formula 1.

“I love driving, I love the sensation of speed, and I love fighting these guys.

“There are a lot of things I like at the moment and things I would miss, so that is why it is not an option to quit tomorrow.

“But the contract is just a piece of paper. We will see what happens.”