F1: Daniel Ricciardo "Vettel gave me mental support in difficult moments"[F1-Gate.com]

Daniel Ricciardo says former Red Bull Racing teammate Sebastian Vettel was a “true friend” during his difficult 2022 F1 season at McLaren.

Daniel Ricciardo, who has struggled with form since the start of the season, agreed to end his McLaren contract a year early in August, leaving 2021 FIA-F22 champion Oscar Piastri in his place next season.

Daniel Ricciardo says Sebastian Vettel, who will retire from F1 at the end of 2022, has given him moral support at a difficult time.

“I don’t want to go into details, as has been said,” Ricciardo said.

“As a general comment, he called me many times this year. He was a friend, thoughtful and attentive. Like a true friend would.”

“Having friends like that is very important, but it’s not that common on the grill.”

“We get along with the rider and build a friendship, but to have that deep level of friendship and some of the gestures he’s done this year and the kindness he’s shown me. In a way, it was unexpected, but I’m I’m very happy with it.”

Asked when he was in contact with Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo said: “There were a lot of contractual issues and the noise was a little more emphasized.”

“I don’t want to pinpoint him because some other riders contacted me, but he was certainly the one who often answered the phone to see how things were going.”

Daniel Ricciardo has pledged to sit out the 2023 F1 season, possibly in a reserve driver role, before attempting to return to F1’s top spot in 2024.

Daniel Ricciardo says a year on the sidelines will leave him more eager to return than if he raced for a less competitive team next year.

“People often say, if you’re interested in 2024, why aren’t you interested in next year? It’s funny,” commented Daniel Ricciardo.

“But I know how I feel after taking a break and watching the race on TV or somewhere in the paddock. I’m still hungry, but I want you to overflow.”

“We have summer holidays, so I know it will be a short break. Just two or three weeks off.”

“It felt like the best season since 2016, when I took about three months off due to the new coronavirus.”

“So I know what a little absence does to me. And every rider is different and I know how I feel. But I hope I can take a proper vacation next year. If that happens, the desire to get back on the grid in 2024 will be stronger.” .

“That’s why I say I want to come back in 2024. But there are no guarantees.”

“Today I can’t sign a contract guaranteeing a place for 2024. Nobody will. It’s impossible. But next year I’ll do my best to still have that desire, and of course I’ll prove I have the skills to do it “.

“I think it’s a risk to jump into next year’s seat. That’s what we’ve shown during our time at McLaren, nothing is guaranteed in terms of performance.”

“So for whatever reason, if the campaign is relatively unsuccessful, I personally think I’m probably going to quit the sport. So I think the risk is much greater than the risk of taking a year off.”