Mark Webber may beg to differ, but Australia’s latest Formula 1 gem Daniel Ricciardo has dispelled myths that four-time world champ Sebastian Vettel is racing’s worst teammate.
Appearing at a promotional event in Melbourne this week, Ricciardo discussed his professional relationship with now ex-teammate Vettel from their lone season together after the West Aussie was brought in to replace compatriot Webber ahead of the 2014 season, claiming Vettel to be a “genuine” guy.
“Even if there were some moments on the track, we always tried to clear it up after the race, away from the cameras,” Ricciardo said.
Webber and Vettel experienced a strained partnership, reaching a point of irreparable repair in May last year when Vettel ignored team orders to overtake Webber and claim the Malaysian GP in a 1-2 finish for Red Bull.
Ricciardo admitted the two didn’t always get along but found the German supportive of his quick success, which include three Grand Prix wins in his rookie season.
“I could feel it was pretty genuine. He was happy for me, I got along with him pretty well. I know all the Mark Webber fans probably were hoping for me to say something else.”
Declared Australia’s most talked about sports star earlier in the week, Ricciardo remains a very much down to earth type. Business Insider Australia got a firsthand glimpse of that in Melbourne when they witnessed the 25-year-old recognise a former high school teacher and pluck her from the crowd for a quick chat and a photo.
Ricciardo will take over the reigns as Red Bull’s undisputed No.1 driver next season after Vettel moved to Ferrari, replacing the 2010-13 championship winner with 20-year-old Russian youngster Daniil Kvyat.
Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images.
