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Daniel Ricciardo admits that it is nice to be named in the list of potential future drivers at Ferrari.
The Australian is out of contract at the end of the 2020 season, which will be his second year at Renault following his departure from Red Bull.
Sebastian Vettel is also out of contract at Ferrari following the end of the upcoming campaign, while Charles Leclerc signed a long-term deal with the team last year.
MORE: Ricciardo to raffle race suit to help charities fighting Australian bushfires | Ricciardo: Only Mercedes won't feel relief to see 2019 end
It is not yet clear who will partner Leclerc at Ferrari beyond 2020, however Ricciardo acknowledged that his name will always be linked due to his Italian roots.
"I guess it's probably always going to be there. They always linked me to that, with my Italian roots," Ricciardo told Australia's Sunday Times.
"But it's nice to be talked about and still relevant and kind of in the mix as far as names getting thrown around."
Ricciardo endured a difficult openign year at Renault, as the team struggled to consistently keep up with McLaren, who ended the year at the top of the midfield.
He will race alongside Esteban Ocon in 2020, who re-joins the F1 field after sitting out the 2019 season.
Ricciardo says it is still early for him to start talks regarding his future, but admits that he would be happy to stay at Renault.
"I haven't [got a contract for 2021] and that's not anything personal, it's just we haven't had any discussion about beyond 2020 yet," he said.
"It's still early days. I would love for 2020 to work out and I stay, that's the easiest and happiest scenario, I wish for that."
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (2)
Login to replyPistonhead
Posts: 556
Ric needs to remind everyone what he's made of and knock it out of the park in Melbourne - unlike his adventures last year when he ran wide over a grate (or something) and ended his race prematurely. I personally felt he could have done a little better last year, but new team, getting settled in - 2020 is a big year for him
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think he did the best he could. A goof here and there is to be expected from most drivers, and considering Ric's generally goof-free track record I think he did fine last year. And, as you say, new team, new car with different character compared to RB. He will stay as long as he thinks Renault can provide him with a title, or until a better offer comes along.