F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo surprised by Ferrari's 'lack of interest'

Daniel Ricciardo looked at one point like a strong contender for a seat alongside Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari in 2019, but the Scuderia has apparently discarded the Red Bull driver, and the Aussie doesn't know why.

The rumor mill placed Ricciardo at the House of Maranello a few months ago, and indeed he was considered an option to replace Kimi Raikkonen at the Italian outfit.

A hefty salary is said to have been the Honey Badger's demise however, with Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne reluctant to have two big earners in the team with Vettel and Ricciardo.

"I actually thought there would be more interest than there has been from them (Ferrari)," Ricciardo told Motorsport Magazine.

"But maybe something has happened or whatever, I don’t know.

“It’s probably safe to say that my options are pretty limited," he admitted

"I don’t think there will be much movement at the top. Mercedes won’t change their drivers and Ferrari, who knows with them?

"They have Kimi (Raikkonen), and now there’s talk about (Charles) Leclerc, but I don’t know what they’ll do."

A new deal with Red Bull is Ricciardo's most reasonable option at this stage, with a decision on his future likely weeks if not days away.

"I’m obviously leaning toward staying here — I expect to have something signed, sealed and delivered by the summer break. It’s definitely getting closer."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Vowles hints at Williams breakthrough… after F1 summer break

Williams team principal James Vowles isn’t hiding the Grove-based outfit’s current struggles, but he insists…

3 minutes ago

Brundle suggests F1’s new-era cars may be illegal by design

Sky F1’s Martin Brundle has raised a provocative question at the heart of Formula 1’s…

1 hour ago

Hülkenberg on why F1’s hidden struggle is both ‘fun and frustrating’

The modern Formula 1 battlefield isn’t just about bravery into Turn 1 anymore – it’s…

3 hours ago

Sky F1’s Croft hints at major McLaren push for Miami

A familiar storyline may be about to unfold in Formula 1 – one where McLaren…

4 hours ago

Bearman’s rise leaves Komatsu in awe: ‘I don’t see the ceiling’

Momentum is building inside the Haas F1 Team, and much of it is surging from…

22 hours ago

Karting legend manager warns Lindblad: 'Be political and polite’

Legendary karting coach and talent scout Dino Chiesa has drawn striking parallels between Lewis Hamilton…

24 hours ago