Renault star Daniel Ricciardo denied that he could replace Vettel at Ferrari. Here are the details:
The two birthday drivers of recent days are at the center of speculation ahead of the British Grand Prix next Sunday: Daniel Ricciardo, who celebrated his 30th birthday on July 1st, and Sebastian Vettel, who turned 32 on July 3rd. The rumors are that the Australian could replace the German at Ferrari in 2020. Ricciardo denies these rumors.
The Sunnyboy from Australia talked straight to ABMS and F1-Insider, and of course with his trademark smile: “Yes, I read that Seb no longer has the motivation and wants to stop. First, I don’t believe that and secondly, if he does, I will definitely not replace him at Ferrari. I have a solid 2-year contract with Renault without any special clauses, and it runs until the end of 2020. Even if I thought about doing something, I couldn’t switch. “
Ricciardo continues to believe in his Renault project even though the young man from Perth is only 10th so far this season with 16 points, considering his past successes with Red Bull (seven victories, 29 podiums, three pole positions).
Ricciardo: “We have a clear idea of where to improve, and Nico (Hülkenberg) and I have the same ideas as far as the car is concerned. We both push the team all the time.”
He continued: “Okay, last year there were days when I hated everything, but now I’m full of energy and very optimistic about the future. My goals haven’t changed. I want to win the title, I’m a competitive beast, even off the tracks.”
This competitive nature has led him to make a few bets with his former mentor, Red Bull Motorsport Advisor Helmut Marko (76).
Ricciardo: “I continue to get along extremely well with him. We’re actually betting on something at every race. Most of the time it’s about 1,000 Euros,” the Australian grined.
“I’m down for the moment, ok, but my time will come.”
*This article was first published in German at autobild.de/motorsport.
