Ricciardo skips over Ferrari rumors (Update)

Daniel Ricciardo

UPDATE (GMM) Daniel Ricciardo is reluctant to comment on rumors that he is on Ferrari's wish-list for 2021.

Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says Sebastian Vettel is the top priority, but paddock gossip has also named Carlos Sainz as another potential replacement for the quadruple world champion.

When asked what racing a red car would mean to him, Renault driver Ricciardo insisted: "I can't answer that."

The Australian said he is still focused on making the Renault project work.

"Sebastian has a nice car," he is quoted by Speed Week. "But I want the Renault project to work. I didn't intend to leave Red Bull and just jump on the next train. I want to get to the top with Renault."

However, team boss Cyril Abiteboul admits that the team with the controversial 'pink Mercedes' has leapt ahead in the fight for fourth place.

"I guess that we and McLaren are at about the same level," said the Renault boss. "But Racing Point is a bit ahead."

Daniel Ricciardo

09/02/19 (GMM) A wild rumor has emerged from Italy involving former Red Bull teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel.

Some believe that with Charles Leclerc taking over the de-facto 'number 1' role at Ferrari, quadruple world champion Vettel's position has become untenable.

"If this continues, I would not be sure that Ferrari will keep him," former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland.

"He now needs to dominate his teammate for the rest of the season. If he can't do that, I think he's gone."

At the same time, Sky Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport are floating the idea that Daniel Ricciardo would be the ideal replacement for Vettel.

The Australian told the BBC recently that despite only switching to under performing Renault this year, he hasn't made "any decisions yet" about his future.

Referring to Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul, Ricciardo said: "We're confident next year is going to be a lot better, but he's probably thinking 'If it doesn't, why would Daniel want to stay?'"

In Singapore, Sky Italia asked Ricciardo what he thought about potentially teaming up with Leclerc.

"We'll see for the future," he answered. "I plan to race for at least another five years.

"I knew how strong Leclerc would be with a better car this year. I like him, he's a friend and it would be interesting. Who knows?"