Ricciardo reveals frustration after Mercedes, Ferrari snubs
- Published on 09 Feb 2019 14:13
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- By: Coilin Higgins
2019 Renault F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has revealed his frustration after being ignored by Mercedes and Ferrari as the Australian looked for a switch from former team Red Bull. Throughout 2018, Ricciardo was constantly being linked to the respective teams before a shock announcement that he would drive for Renault in 2019.
It was reported that Ricciardo held talks with both teams in 2018, and felt that he was deserving of a chance with either team. He also explained that despite recognising the sense behind Ferrari's decision to take on Charles Leclerc in 2019, he did feel as if he had a chance with Mercedes. He also expressed that due to his performances in the first half of 2018, he was eager to make the right impression.
"Especially after the first six races. I won two out of six, so it was Seb, Lewis and me who had won two each. At that stage no one else was really touching us, " Ricciardo told Sky F1. "I felt like my pull, so to speak, couldn't have been any higher. In a way, I did expect probably more out of that, and at the time I think rightly so."
Ricciardo suffered greatly in 2018 from reliability problems and constant breakdowns, seeing the Australian driver suffer eight retirements over the season. This had a negative effect on his standings, seeing former Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen finish ahead of him in the championship. He ultimately decided upon a switch to Renault after last years Hungarian Grand Prix.
"I guess for them it's more conservative, but I can't argue because it's worked," Ricciardo commented on Mercedes. "Lewis has won Drivers' Championships and the team has won Constructors' Championships, so in a way they've ticked all the boxes they need."
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Replies (11)
Login to replyRindtchamp
Posts: 304
I would have loved to see Daniel alongside Lewis at Merc. Huge shame that Toto would rather have the hopeless Bottas than a decent driver in the car.
michielhimself
Posts: 132
Allegedly, Toto dangled a 1-year deal in front of Ricciardo which was outside of his zone of possible agreement.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I would have loved to see him at Merc. But it's Ferrari that should have picked him up. I have no doubt that Seb's input is part of the reason why Ricciardo never made it to Ferrari. Truly a big loss. I really hope Renault comes good, Ricciardo more than any other driver right now deserves a chance
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Red really is his colour, isn't it? But to be honest I think he could've done just as well over at Merc'. But neither Vettel or Hammy would ever dream of picking him up. Just imagine the looks on Vettel and Hammy when they see him in a white/petrol or red overall, bearing that grin... That big, haunting grin.... *slender cutout with Ricciardo's grin*
blade
Posts: 341
If he was offered 10m to drive at Merc on a one year contract, he should have bitten their hand off - to not do so means more interested in money than title chances, equally moving away from RB R on same basis says just as much. A one year contract to impress in a top car isn't something you lightly turn away from - begs the question why?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
To me, thats a big if though. And I kinda find it unlikely, Ric don't really seem like the kinda guy to say no to Ferrari or Mercedes. He seemed really frustrated over not getting any interest from the two front teams. And both pet divas have said that they don't want him on board, and both divas have a decent say in what team mates they'll get, as we've seen before.
blade
Posts: 341
But didn't I hear somewhere those teams baulked at the price he was wanting?
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Is Ricciardo better than Leclerc? I dont think so( especially for the price). Should replace vettel? No. Better than Ham? No. Merc looking for a $30Mil replacement for Bottas? No. He had a choice to drive for $5-10 mil at Mercedez, and perhaps RIC wanted to be RICh, or Toto isnt interested. Get few surprises out of Renault, Vettel and Bottas’s seats would be available in 2 years.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
I suspect he'll get picked up by one of them down the road, and hopefully not end up like the Hulk with Renault as his best prospect. This is the year he could really prove himself if he is fighting at the front with an inferior car. C'mon Danny, quityerbitchin and get on with it!
f1ski
Posts: 726
he is as creative as verstappen in finding unusual places to pass and more level headed. I think today he is better than vettel. I am a big Vettel fan too. He can adapt himself to a less than ideal car and race. I f he had a 1 yr mere deal and passed shame on him
boudy
Posts: 1,168
He's less assertive than Verstappen and not as quick otherwise we would have stayed in RBR. Not sure if he's better than Vettel I think they are on a similar performance level.
I think the reason why Mercedes and Ferrari didn't sign him was because of the multi year dealings that goes on in F1. Ferrari and Mercedes will already have an drivers plan in place for two seasons and by him not re-signing with RBR he just stepped out of that process. He tried getting an deal with them in a too short time frame and organisations like those aren't receptive to those conditions.
He belongs in top 6 car at least and should have had an chance in an Mercedes since Bottas struggles to command his seat. Ricciardo had committed himself to an change and that's what did. Money might have been an barrier but I don't think it was the primary reason.