Ricciardo still wonders who vetoed his move to Ferrari

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Daniel Ricciardo revealed that the hopes he harbored earlier this year of racing for Ferrari in 2019 were short-lived because of someone's opposition to his presence at Maranello.

Before his decision last summer to switch his allegiance from Red Bull to Renault for next season, the Australian driver had been in discussions with the Scuderia about possibly replacing Kimi Raikkonen for 2019.

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In the end however, the talks fell through, with speculation that Ricciardo's financial demands had perhaps exceeded what Ferrari was prepared to offer.

"I can’t say why," he told Italian outlet Automoto when asked if he wanted too much money.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about. Who said I’d asked for too much money? Evidently someone said no to my arrival.

"Who? I'd like to know, but maybe I have an idea ..."

While not denying his contact with the House of Maranello, Ricciardo felt at the time that the fate of Raikkonen's seat had already been decided.

"We had discussions, but you could see that they had already made arrangements with Leclerc, so my talks fell through," he added.

"I hope for them that it's the right choice and that it works out well.

"As far as I'm concerned, I hope to still be in F1 for some time and maybe there will be an opportunity to meet again."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.