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Webber puzzled by Ricciardo's botched Ferrari opportunities

Ex-F1 driver Mark Webber is perplexed by why Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari have twice failed to agree terms in the recent past.

Ricciardo will switch his allegiance from Renault to McLaren next year, having agreed last month a multi-year deal with the Woking-based outfit.

But the 30-year-old recently confirmed widespread rumors that he had held talks with the House of Maranello regarding a seat with the Scuderia and replacing the outbound Sebastian Vettel.

Ricciardo also revealed that those talks had actually started a few years ago when he was pondering a future outside of the Red Bull family.

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"There have been discussions already from a few years back, and that continued all the way through to now," Ricciardo said. "I won't deny that, but obviously it's never really come to fruition."

And Webber wonders why his countryman and F1's most successful team never managed to seal a deal.

"It's been twice that the Maranello opportunity was there. For whatever reason - we all think it's just a total slam dunk that it should happen - but it hasn't," said Webber, speaking on an F1 Nation podcast.

"Why couldn't he agree terms with Maranello, were they motivated? I know he's close to Charles, is he too close to Charles? I have no idea, is that something they would have considered?

"But ultimately, twice, between the pair of them they haven't been able to sort out their relationship.

"So then that leaves him with a move because obviously the Renault marriage has been challenging for him."

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But Webber believes Ricciardo transfer to McLaren could pay dividends in the future if the papaya squad takes full advantage of F1's future regulation overhaul.

"So with the Mercedes engine, I think the independent teams - especially McLaren - are going to do pretty well out of this new stuff going forward," added the nine-time Grand Prix winner.

"I think it's all upside for them. I don't see any downside for McLaren if they can get through this tough time. Their main lap time must get closer to the pole position."

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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.