Ricciardo expects Mercedes to dominate in 2016

Daniel Ricciardo says he doesn't want to turn his mind to his expiring Red Bull contract quite yet. The Australian admits he became frustrated at times this year, as the energy drink stable's premier team struggled for a second consecutive year. "The frustration built up more than I would have liked," Ricciardo told Australia's Fox Sports on a visit home to Perth. "Nine times out of ten I kept a lid on it and did what I had to do. I tried to keep smiling."

But there were times when teammate Daniil Kvyat beat the more experienced Ricciardo in 2015, and in fact the young Russian actually outscored him. "I think Daniil did well turn his season around," said Ricciardo. "His first four races he was a little bit lost, and some people would have said he couldn't cope in a top team, but in Monaco started to turn it on."

He thinks there could also be frustrating times in 2016, as Red Bull stays with Renault power but re-brands it as Tag-Heuer. "Ferrari caught up a little bit," he said of Mercedes' dominance this year, "but I think in general when they wanted to turn it on they could. They (Mercedes) are definitely still going to be the team to beat next year," Ricciardo is quoted by the Daily Mail. "I think it's unrealistic to think we can come out and fight for a win," he continued to Fox.

And so when it comes to his expiring contract, Ricciardo is leaving his options open for now. "It's something I have to play by ear. In 2017 there are a lot of rule changes and the last thing I want to do is an Alonso, jumping ship and then the ship you've left is the one you want to be on," he said. "In an ideal world I will stay at Red Bull and we will find the dominance again. But that's something for later in the season." (GMM)

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Visa Cash App RB
  • Points 1,061
  • Podiums 24
  • Grand Prix 188
  • Country AU
  • Date of b. Jul 1 1989 (36)
  • Place of b. Perth, AU
  • Weight 64 kg
  • Length 1.75 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar