0
Daniel Ricciardo says a move to the midfield would be “foreign territory” for Sebastian Vettel, as question marks linger over the German's future in F1.
Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 campaign, but has made it clear that he wishes to continue in the sport with the right team.
Vettel has been linked with a return to Red Bull for 2021, while his name has also been associated with Racing Point, who will become Aston Martin next year.
Ricciardo, who spent one year as Vettel's teammate in 2014, says he hopes Vettel can find a seat that makes him happy - but warned that he needs to be more open-minded if he drops into a midfield drive.
MORE: Vettel regrets how he left Red Bull in 2014
MORE: Lack of control over future 'exciting' - Vettel
“For Seb, in his situation he has had pretty much his whole career in the sport running at the front,” Ricciardo said, as quoted by Formula1.com. “I would say that probably every year he has contested in F1 he has been on the podium, if not won.
“If it is the case that he goes into a midfield team, it is foreign territory for him. It requires a bit more of an open mind, and some patience, but that is up to him and where he sees the next chapter of his career.
“If he still has the will and drive to compete at the top level, then I hundred per cent think he should continue in the sport. But if it is in the midfield it is normally a longer play. You have to show commitment not just for another 12 months but two or three years.
“But that is something only he could answer. As a previous teammate, I like Seb, I certainly respect him in the sport. That is why if he wishes to continue I hope he finds a place where he is happy.”
After the opening three rounds to the 2020 championship, Vettel sits 10th in the standings with nine points.
Ferrari has endured a difficult start to the new season, as it searches for answers to bridge the gap to rivals Mercedes.
MORE: Ferrari establishes new 'Performance Development' department for F1 team
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Grand Prix of BelgiumLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
Bahrain
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
Australia
Albert Park
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Netherlands
Circuit Zandvoort
Italy
Monza
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
Brazil
Interlagos
United States of America
Las Vegas Street Circuit
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
187,193 comments on Red Bull Racing
24 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Daniel Ricciardo
236,800 comments on Renault 27 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Renault
G. Zhou
Replies (0)
Login to reply