Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed the details of that podium bet he and team boss Cyril Abiteboul discussed during the cool-down lap of the British Grand Prix.
Ricciardo came close to securing his first podium for Renault, which would also have been the French manufacturer’s first podium since it return to Formula 1 in 2016, at the first Silverstone race, when he finished fourth.
During the cool-down lap Abiteboul referenced the bet between him and Ricciardo and the seven-time race winner has now confirmed the details, which involves the Renault team boss getting a tattoo if Ricciardo secures a podium.
“It is a bit foggy, but I do remember – I believe he chooses placement and size, but I choose the design [of the tattoo],” confirmed Ricciardo.
“We will clear that up but it is a tattoo, and he does not have any, so it is a big deal for Cyril.”
Asked about what design he has in mind, Ricciardo added: “I got asked this before, and I was like I don’t know. I think it’ll be something probably spontaneous, spur of the moment, but it is going to be something funny. Like when he looks at it he shakes his head. It is like ‘aaah, remember those times..’, one of those ones.”
With a dominant Mercedes outfit, Ricciardo’s chances of a podium finish remain slim, and he admitted he would be disappointed not to deliver one for the French team before he departs for McLaren at the end of the season.
“Yes, I would be lying if I said no,” he replied. “It is more if the opportunity presents itself and we miss out on that. For sure I would be disappointed.
“But if I race every race my hardest and I’m finishing sixth every race because of that, then I probably am not going to be devastated.
“But I do want to stand back up there and be delivered a trophy on a robot or whatever they are doing now. I miss that, and I’ll probably get a fine for drinking out of my shoe, but it will be worth it!”
