THE latest gossip and speculation from around Formula 1 as the season enters its crucial final weeks.
RICCIARDO WANTS F1 TITLE IN 2021
Daniel Ricciardo thinks he can become an F1 world champion at Renault in the 2021 season.
Ricciardo is leaving Red Bull for Renault, who haven’t sealed a podium since returning to the sport three years ago, at the end of the current campaign.
But he told Spanish publication AS: “Now, starting this next journey, realistically I would say 2021, I want to be world champion that year.”
Ricciardo also detailed what he is expecting from himself and Renault next season.
“I want to prove to myself and to other people that it was the right decision,” he said. “I guess to prove some people wrong.
“And just grow with the team and to feel the progress, to be part of that, and to feel like their investment in me was worthwhile.”
Daniel Ricciardo has set his title goal at Renault. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images
RED BULL: MAX AND HAMILTON PAIRING A NO-GO
They may be good friends in the paddock, but Red Bull have ruled out ever pairing Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton together as they are “the two drivers with the biggest egos”.
Verstappen is widely considered to be F1’s next global star, and Red Bull hope to return to the top of the field with a Honda engine in the next few years. If so, they could appeal to four-time world champion Hamilton
But it certainly doesn’t sound like a Max-Lewis partnership is on the cards.
“You have to have some sort of harmony in the team,” Marko told Sky Sports News’ Craig Slater.
“At the moment they are the two drivers with the biggest ego. That would be more than a challenge to the team.”
Would Mercedes, however, partner the two together? It has been mooted…
Would the big egos of (L-R) Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen fit in one team? Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images
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SAINZ HOPEFUL OF EARLY MCLAREN TEST
Carlos Sainz says he would be keen on testing this year’s McLaren at the end-of-season Abu Dhabi team ahead of his 2019 switch.
“It’s a good opportunity to try this year’s car — obviously not next year’s car which is not the same,” said Sainz. “I’m focusing on these three races. I think my management and company are looking into whether it’s possible or not but at the moment it’s not decided yet or nothing has been clarified.”
Pierre Gasly and Kimi Raikkonen, who are also moving teams for 2019, also say a decision is yet to be taken on if they can test for their new employers.
Carlos Sainz of Spain and Renault Sport F1. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:AFP
DID WE UNDERESTIMATE HARTLEY’S FIRST LAP IN AUSTIN?
Watch it for yourselves…
High fuel, cold tyres, turbulence, dirty track and 20 F1 drivers wanting to make up places always makes things interesting on lap 1 ? . Other than floor damage from debris on lap 2 I got through pretty cleanly. Cheers Austin, you are always good fun. On to Mexico ? ?? pic.twitter.com/vg4meUEa7l
CAN FORCE INDIA CHALLENGE BIG THREE?
Sergio Perez believes Force India can challenge the F1’s ‘big three’ — Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull — now that they have Lawrence Stroll’s financial backing.
“There’s more budget coming in and the guidance I think is in place,” Perez told Sky F1. “This team is ready to build. We have great direction and a lot of people here are capable of achieving great things, as we have been doing the last three years.
“I think definitely this team can be one to watch for the future.”
The Mexican continued: “Lawrence wants to go to the next step and we know the next step is becoming a top three team, fighting with the big boys.
“It is not going to be easy and I think it is going to take a bit of time but certainly we should be making good progress in the near future.”
Perez will be joined at Force India by Lawrence’s son Lance Stroll next season.
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MERCEDES’ POST-US GP STRATEGY DEBRIEF WITH A TWIST…
A very amusing twist!
Stick with it:
HAMILTON GETS HIS INVITE TO RAIKKONEN’S 40TH
Lewis Hamilton says Kimi Raikkonen’s winning performance in the United States GP has encouraged him to believe he can still get better too.
At 33, Hamilton is still half-a-decade younger than Raikkonen but remains the third-oldest driver on the grid.
“I think Kimi’s given me a lot of confidence that I can keep getting better,” said Hamilton, before admitting he wasn’t sure if Raikkonen was 38 or 39.
“39,” Raikkonen interjected. “Next year 40, so I’ll invite you to the party.”
“Hope I get an invite for the 40th,” said Hamilton.
“We can call,” reaffirmed Raikkonen.
(L-R) Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen and Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton. Picture: AFP PHOTOSource:AFP
HARTLEY’S FRUSTRATION COMES TO THE SURFACE
Speaking to Sky F1 prior to his promotion into the US GP points due to Kevin Magnussen and Esteban Ocon exclusions, Brendon Hartley’s frustration became clear as the New Zealander reacted angrily to the latest wave of speculation about his future.
“I’ve felt good in the last few races, but obviously l have to answer questions about my future every week which is getting increasingly annoying,” Hartley told Sky F1.
“I’ve read in the media that l have to beat my teammate. I was ahead of him in Singapore before team orders, l was ahead in Russia before the car broke down, I was ahead at Suzuka in qualifying and l was ahead today. So let’s see what happens.”
Brendon Hartley of Scuderia Toro Rosso and New Zealand (C) is frustrated over speculation about his future. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:AFP
This article originally appeared on Skysports.com
Originally published as Ricciardo sets Renault title goal
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