Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo has been advised to join Scuderia Ferrari by former Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg, as reported by the British and Italian media earlier this week.
Daniel Ricciardo – who stormed past Drivers’ Championship leader Sebastian Vettel on his way to victory in the Chinese Grand Prix – faces an uncertain future at Red Bull with his contract expiring at the end of the season, as the Australian has been linked with a move to the Maranello team, who are expected to hunt for a driver to replace 38-year-old Kimi Raikkonen next term.
When asked which team Daniel Ricciardo should drive for next year, Nico Rosberg said: “I would go to Ferrari. He knows he can beat Vettel and it’s the best car at the moment.” – the former Mercedes driver explained.
Daniel Ricciardo’s talks with Red Bull over a contract extension are yet to bear fruit but fresh discussions are planned later this month, as the 28-year-old has, arguably, strengthened his negotiating position by pulling off a stunning victory in the Chinese Grand Prix, which took place last weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit. A genius decision to switch to fresh tyres during a Safety Car break resulted in Daniel Ricciardo motoring through the field. When asked in the post-race press conference about the latest on his contract talks with Red Bull, he said: “I guess the plan was to try and hold off still a little bit. Getting the win is nice. We were in a really strong place in the second half of the race. When we get to Europe it will probably balance out. All three teams have had moments, it is interesting, fun. I don’t think today hurt my position so it is a good day.”
Red Bull bigwig Helmut Marko has previously admitted the team would have to consider replacement for Daniel Ricciardo if they fail to come to a deal before May. Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz, on loan at Renault for the current season, would appear to be the likely replacement. However, Daniel Ricciardo admitted earlier this month he is in no rush to commit to a decision: “I don’t really see myself racing till my mid- or late-30s in F1,” he said. “So more so I want to make the next period of my career work and make it right – I’m not just happy ticking over and being here. If I can get a good deal with the right team, if that is Red Bull or someone else, then I feel it’s worth waiting.”
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