[ad_1]
Sebastian Vettel says he hopes Daniel Ricciardo finds a place on the grid in 2023 after accusing McLaren of failing to get the best out of him during his 18 months with the team.
Ricciardo was sacked by McLaren this week after reaching an agreement with the Australian to pay out his contract for next year.
McLaren is expected to announce Oscar Piastri as his replacement in coming weeks, but Ricciardo is yet to secure a new contract elsewhere in the sport.
Watch every practice, qualifying and race of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship™ live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Sebastian Vettel had the opportunity to see Ricciardo work up close during their time together at Red Bull Racing.
Vettel was the team’s senior driver during his halcyon title-winning days of 2009–13 as Ricciardo was rising through the team’s junior ranks, culminating in his promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2014.
It was seminal year for Ricciardo, who beat the reigning champion in his own team 238-167 and finished third in the drivers championship behind only the rampant Mercedes teammates.
The defeat precipitated Vettel’s switch to Ferrari the following season.
Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Vettel said he had deep sympathy for Ricciardo, who he said remained among the sport’s best drivers.
“Maybe I have too much empathy for a Formula 1 driver, but I’m very saddened hearing what’s going to happen to Daniel,” he said.
“I think it’s a very, very difficult situation to be in.
“I think he’s still one of the best drivers.
“I raced against him — I had the pleasure to race against him and the not so pleasurable side of getting beaten by him years ago.”
Vettel also heaped blame on McLaren for being unable to tap into the Australian’s talent in their 18 months together so far.
“I still think he has very, very much to offer. In this regard — I don’t know the details — but I guess McLaren failed to extract the potential that he has.
“It’s sad to see that he’s been put in a difficult position, but I wish him obviously all the best.
“I’m sure that ultimately the talent he has and the qualities he has will shine through.”
Lewis Hamilton also joined in, commending Ricciardo to the 2023 grid to acquit unfinished business.
“It’s really unfortunate for Daniel,” he said. “I still think he deserves a place here in the sport, so I really hope there’s somewhere great for him, because he’s still got lots to achieve.”
Sergio Perez likened Ricciardo’s woes to his sacking by Racing Point in 2020 — Ricciardo had identified the Mexican’s travails as a source of inspiration during this difficult career crossroads — but said the Aussie would benefit from his strong career history despite his McLaren struggles.
“I think it’s always good to sit back sometimes and just enjoy the time, because whatever comes next will be great,” he said. “I think Daniel is in a privileged position as well. The decorations he’s had up until now — I’m sure he’ll find the right opportunity for him.”
Former teammate Esteban Ocon, who raced alongside Ricciardo in the Australian’s second year at Renault before making his ill-advised switch to McLaren, also said he was surprised to see Daniel encounter such difficulty given his known quantity as a standout performer.
“I think it is a surprise for everybody to see him struggling that much,” he said. “We know the potential of Daniel. We know how good he was back then. He’s won races. He’s been solid.
“There are things — new cars, new teams — that you sometimes can’t really get your head clear around it, but the important thing is the rebound.
“As many drivers have faced, you have lows, but the important thing is how you bounce back from them.”
[ad_2]
Source link
