Daniel Ricciardo opens up on special friendship with former Red Bull rival Sebastian Vettel – and how the German was the first person to pick up the phone when the Aussie F1 star was sacked by McLaren
- Aston Martin F1 driver Sebastian Vettel reached out directly to Daniel Ricciardo
- Gesture after Ricciardo was dumped by McLaren was appreciated by Aussie
- Both Vettel and Ricciardo will compete in Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend
- Ricciardo’s future in sport beyond 2022 is unknown, he is exploring all options
Unwanted Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo has revealed the caring nature of former Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel, as the popular Aussie ponders an uncertain future.
The pair drove together at Red Bull in 2014 before Vettel left for Ferrari.
Speaking ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Ricciardo, 33, said the German – now driving for Aston Martin – reached out when he was brutally cut from McLaren with a year remaining on his contract.
‘He’s picked up the phone a number of times this year and was just a friend who cared and reached out like a real friend would,’ Ricciardo stated.
‘Having friends like that is so important.
Dumped Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo has revealed the caring nature of former Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel
Ricciardo told media in Brazil ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix that his close friend reached out after the Aussie was brutally dumped by McLaren
‘Some of the gestures he’s made this year, and some of the kindness he’s shown me were kind of unexpected.
‘But yeah, it is just super nice.’
Ricciardo has two races left before he vacates his McLaren seat for Aussie young gun Oscar Piastri, who will partner Lando Norris in 2023.
The eight-time career race winner has conceded he will not have a seat on the grid next year – and is said to be weighing up offers as a reserve driver.
Talks are believed to be ongoing with Red Bull and Mercedes.
Asked if he would consider a future outside of Formula 1, Ricciardo said anything is possible.
The close friends drove together at Red Bull in 2014 before Vettel (left) joined Ferrari – he is now on the books of Aston Martin
‘I guess I need to wait and see where I land next year,’ he said.
‘Obviously I’m talking about potentially a reserve role or whatever. Truth is, I haven’t agreed to anything or signed anything yet.
‘Ultimately, if I feel maybe doing a one-off (Supercar race) will benefit me, and keep me sharp, then it’s something I’ll potentially look into.
‘I don’t want to say no yet to anything.’
The Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix will be broadcast from 5am (AEDT) on Monday, November 14.
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