Daniel Ricciardo draws parallels between his 2014 rivarly with Sebastian Vettel and current Mercedes duo

Former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo compares his relationship with Sebastian Vettel during their time together back in 2014. He talks about their relationship comparing them to the new Mercedes lineup.

Daniel Ricciardo replaced outgoing Mark Webber for the 2014 season challenging the four times world champion. He drove for Toro Rosso and HRT before and had all it takes to compete at the topmost level.

The 2014 season was the one to remember for the Australian driver. He finished third in the world championship while Vettel could only finish fifth.

The start of the 2014 ‘Turbo-hybrid era’

The 2014 season had the turbocharged engines making their return since the 1988 season. Moreover, there was a change in the chassis and the aerodynamics of the car as well.

Therefore, it was a lot of experimentation between the teams with Mercedes taking the most advantage of it. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had championship fights with Ferrari and Red Bull coming second.

Daniel Ricciardo had three wins in the season while Vettel had none. Moreover, Vettel finished 71 points behind the Honey Badger before joining Ferrari for a new challenge.

Also Read: 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel reveals the emotional toll that Ferrari took on him

Daniel Ricciardo’s tenure with Sebastian Vettel during the 2014 season

Daniel Ricciardo struggled against Lando Norris in the new era of F1 cars like how Vettel struggled against him. He explains that in terms of how George Russell performed better against Lewis Hamilton this season.

Just like Russell, Ricciardo could easily match Vettel’s pace in the 2014 season. However, the former McLaren driver acknowledges how coming from Williams to Mercedes is a big leap for the British driver.

It is a return back to the home situation for Ricciardo as he embarks on a new journey with Red Bull. He signs up with the team as their new third driver for the 2023 season.

Also Read: Red Bull chief believes ‘with a driver like Lewis Hamilton’ Mercedes will return stronger in 2023