Australian Formula One legend and 1980 Formula One drivers world champion Alan Jones hopes Ferrari replace Kimi Raikkonen with Daniel Ricciardo for the 2017 Formula One season.
Ricciardo was first linked with Ferrari during the 2015 season when many believed the Italian team would not keep Raikkonen on for another season, but much to the shock of many they’ve decided to retain the Finn’s services for another year. With Raikkonen’s contract coming to an end once again at the end of this year rumours have begun surrounding who will replace the 37-year-old, with Jones calling for Ricciardo to team up with his old teammate Vettel at Ferrari in 2017 before this season has even begun.
Speaking on the Australian Grand Prix podcast Jones said.
“Kimi’s a little bit lucky to be there [at Ferrari],”
“But I also think Ferrari has done the right thing in that the person you know is better than the person you don’t know.
“They’re probably thinking ‘Stick with the known factor [for now]. We’ve got Vettel, we’ve got Kimi’.
“He does actually, on the odd occasion, put up a good race, so I think they’ve done the right thing.
“They’ve obviously got plans for what they’re going to do next year, which I hope is going to be Daniel Ricciardo.”
When asked if he was concerned Ricciardo’s career could stagnate if himself and Red Bull suffer another poor season, Jones replied “No, I’m not actually.
“Red Bull has a TAG engine, which is Renault, and I’m really glad to see Renault come back as a manufacturer which will give them the chance to step up their engine development
“But in terms of Daniel, I’m really confident, hopeful he’ll land that Ferrari seat next year.”
