McLaren was "pretty close" to signing Ricciardo
- Published on 03 Aug 2018 17:34
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- By: Fergal Walsh
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has revealed that he was "pretty close" to signing Daniel Ricciardo for the 2019 season. On Friday, Renault announced that the Australian would be joining the French team, ending his long run within the Red Bull programme.
McLaren's line-up for next year is uncertain, with the seats of both Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne in doubt. Talking to RACER, Brown said that a few meetings had been held in which a deal was discussed, but the American thinks McLaren's current poor form swung in Renault's favour.
"We had a couple of meetings and we are big fans of Daniel,” Brown said. “I think he’s a great guy, I think he’s a great race car driver. How close we came to getting him, I think only Daniel knows the answer to that question. Had we been running more competitively I think that would have increased our odds.
"I think he had a strong desire to leave and I think it was probably pretty close between us and Renault, but ultimately Daniel would be best to tell you how close. But he was certainly someone that we rate very highly and think he’s a great race car driver and a great guy."
When asked if Alonso could leave McLaren to take Ricciardo's spot at Red Bull, Brown replied: "I think it’s thrown a spanner in the works for some other teams but we’ve got a plan which we are executing against which Ricciardo’s move doesn’t impact.
"Red Bull is a great racing team but I think Fernando has got what he wants to do in the back of his mind. Never say never, but I don’t think it changes anything in Fernando’s world."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (10)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Oh thats cute. :3
ALTIJD DAT GEDOE
Posts: 66
I think only 'also rans' like Sainz and Grosjean will be available for Mclaren these days. Drivers for whom McLaren is the last lifebuoy in Formula One. Personally I'd prefer Sainz over Grosjean.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I would love Ricciardo at Mclaren, but not yet. It would have soured everything. Once McLaren has a competitive car again they will be able to get whoever they want as they did in the past.
ALTIJD DAT GEDOE
Posts: 66
When hell freezes over...
boudy
Posts: 1,168
McLaren against the factory team ; no way he would have been going there unless an serious amount of $$$ was offered. McLaren will not recover until Alonso leaves the team. History proves this point.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
And even then he'd probably not accept. There is no reason for such a competitive driver to go to McLaren.
Hepp
Posts: 200
@CALLE , I see Gasly to RBR, Saintz and Alonso for 2019, Saintz and Norris for 2020 @ McL. Leclerc and Latifi to Haas, KMag and Gro out.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
@HEPP thats interesting, however Im not sure McLiaren want to ditch Stoffel. Im also not convinced that they want a double Spanish lineup due to marketing and sponsor reasons. But I could absolutely see Gasly in the Red Bull for 2019 if Sainz doesnt get the seat. I also expect KMag to stay, he has done a good job and HAAS seem pleased with him. If Leclerc doesnt move to Ferrari, I think he will stay at Sauber. Grosjean on the other hand, I think could be out. Maybe he'll be replaced by Giovinazzi or Latifi? And then maybe Norris to STR as Gasly's replacement if Gasly moves to RB.
michielhimself
Posts: 132
He pushed an actual contract with his own signature already on it into Ricciardo's face while RIC was entering the boy's room? I'm pretty sure that paper came in handy for Ricciardo ...
blade
Posts: 341
Don't see it as a close call - we need DR to confirm or deny this one, he will have listened as McLaren are a great team - but the lure of a full works no.1 driver seat would have swung it, even if more money offered at MCL. Sainz to MCL or RBR now? Not sure he's done enough to fill D Ric's shoes though