Daniel Ricciardo believes there are “a few similarities” in the situation at Ferrari to the one he experienced with Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull in 2014.
Four-time World Champion Vettel has been paired with Ferrari protégé Charles Leclerc, in his second season, at the team this year, and the pair have so far been similarly matched.
Leclerc has taken two pole positions to Vettel’s one, though neither have won a race, while Vettel holds a 24-point buffer over his team-mate, with six podiums to five.
In 2014 Ricciardo partnered Vettel at Red Bull, having stepped up from Toro Rosso, and finished comfortably ahead in the standings, with Vettel departing at the end of the year for Ferrari.
Both Ferrari drivers have 2020 contracts.
“There are a few similarities: the young guy coming up to give the older guy a hard time.” said Ricciardo.
“We have seen a little bit of this now with Charles. You probably have to ask Seb, but I am sure that there are some similarities there, and a bit of pressure from the young guy coming up.
“I still think Seb is strong enough to be able to overcome it if that is the case. It is really up to him.
“If he starts to gather some momentum you could see him start to find his form again.
“But also Charles is young and still will probably keep improving, so I think Charles will be at the front for many years.
“Up to Seb how he handles it. Probably up to Seb as well how long he wants to spend. If he keeps motivation and focus, he has the talent to stay for another few years. But that is up to him.”
