AUSTRALIAN Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo has provided a revealing insight into the dynamic between he and co-driver Sebastian Vettel away from the track, saying the pair are breakfast buddies and have the same sense of humour.
The Red Bull pilot insists the duo have a great working relationship despite an early season controversy over Vettel ignoring team orders to allow Ricciardo to pass.
That incident and their ongoing battle for the title of the team’s leading driver have led to suggestions of a rift, but the ever-smiling Ricciardo says they’re great buds.
“As teammates, we have a good relationship,” Ricciardo told Sport Bild.
“We have the same sense of humour and the atmosphere is positive.
“We eat breakfast together and that’s not too common for teammates.”
Ricciardo claimed his first Formula One podium with a third place at the Spanish Grand Prix at the weekend.
The West Australian has said that if his current form continues, it’s possible for him to usurp four-time world champion Vettel as the team’s No. 1 driver by August.
The German has had a poor start to the season, picking up just one podium in five races so far.
He still sits above Ricciardo on overall points, but the Aussie was stripped of a second place in the season-opening grand prix in Melbourne.
It’s hard to believe Vettel and Ricciardo have a similar sense of humour. Source: Getty Images
Ricciardo says it’s inevitable Vettel will rediscover his form.
“It’s nice that I can give Seb a run for his money,” Ricciardo said.
“It’s going well for me at the moment, but I know that Seb will soon get everything out of his car.
“He hasn’t lost his ability to drive.”
Meanwhile, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says that the team expects to keep the same driver line-up in 2015.
Horner said Ricciardo had already done enough this season to convince the team he will be a long-term part of the set-up.
“We have always believed in stability and continuity,” Horner said.
“Daniel is on a long-term contract with the team and it will be highly unlikely he will be anywhere else next year - unless of course Ferrari are chasing him as well [as rumours it is pursuing Adrian Newey].”
Ricciardo celebrates his third place in Spain. Source: Getty Images
Horner added that Ricciardo’s attitude had been well received by the team and Vettel.
“He has done a great job this year and he is so calm in the car,” he said.
“He continues to impress us with his speed and his approach.
“He is enjoying what he is doing, and you never see him not smiling. It is a pleasure to have him in the team, and the two guys are working extremely well together,
“I cannot speak highly enough of what Daniel has done in the first five races.”
Next stop on the F1 calendar is the Monaco Grand Prix on May 25.
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