Jean-Eric Vergne reckons Daniel Ricciardo’s strong form is evidence that he too could perform well at a top team should he be given the chance.
The Frenchman outscored Ricciardo 16 points to ten during their first year as team-mates at Toro Rosso in 2012, but was then outscored 13 to 20 the following season, but Vergne insists he could match Ricciardo in a competitive car.
“Doing three years at Toro Rosso makes me very strong,” said the 24-year-old.
“Daniel in a way is a good help for me because some teams expect world champion drivers, but maybe [the future] is not in world champion drivers, but in younger drivers who are really hungry and motivated, and that’s what I am. When you look at my results compared to Daniel all of our career, I have the potential to be what he is.”
Vergne will lose his Toro Rosso seat to Max Verstappen next season, meaning he could be forced out of F1 unless another team picks him up. He says his focus at the moment is performing well to increase his chances.
“Tere are so many drivers who wanted to focus on F1 and got nowhere. So I am not stupid – I have my eyes open I would say. I would really love to race. It depends on the chance I will get to drive in a race, but at the moment my focus is on getting a race seat.”
