Daaniel Ricciardo, who served alongside Sebastian Vettel in Red Bull, advises the latter.
He suggested his ex-team mate to be open about his new experience. This would help him to make the most out of his new deal with Aston Martin.
Vettel is set to leave Ferrari at the end of this season. Reportedly, he is in talks with Aston Martin for a seat. The team is set to enter next year after rebranding Racing Point.
Racing point is in a strong suit this year after copying Mercedes design. Vettel is expected to conclude his talks with the team about the future together.
The switching from a championship title contender to midfielder team would require new approach to the sport.
Experience of Ricciardo
Ricciardo has been in similar position when he moved from Red Bull to Renault at the end of 2018. He wanted the German driver to learn from his experience.
Honey Badger had a great deal of satisfaction helping Renault while pushing it toward a better position. However, he believes it is mentally challenging to move from a front runner to mid-fielder team player.
“I think for Seb, in his situation, he’s had pretty much his whole career in the sport running at the front,” explained Ricciardo.
“Probably every year he’s contested in Formula 1 he’s been on the podium more or less, so if he goes into a midfield team it’s foreign territory for him.
“I think it requires a bit more of an open mind, certainly some patience. But yeah that’s obviously up to him and where he sees the next chapter of his career.”
Ricciardo suggests that Vettel need to decide whether he would be able to stick for long which could pay off his efforts at Austin Martin.
“I think if he’s still got the will to drive and to compete at the top level, then I 100% think he should continue in the sport,” he explained.
“If the option is in the midfield somewhere, then it’s normally a longer play.
“So I think he’s going to have to show commitment for not just another 12 months. You’re talking at least 24 months or three years. Two-three years, let’s say that. But that’s something he can answer.
“As a previous team-mate, obviously I like Seb, I certainly respect him in the sport and that’s why if he wishes to continue I hope he finds a place where he’s happy.”
