- Red Bull
Ricciardo won't assume top Red Bull status in 2015
Daniel Ricciardo says his role at Red Bull will not change next year despite being the most experienced driver in the team alongside Daniil Kvyat.
Red Bull's shock announcement in Japan that Sebastian Vettel will leave the team at the end of 2014 included the news Kvyat will be promoted from Toro Rosso, the same route taken by Ricciardo into the senior team last year. Ricciardo's first year at Red Bull has been a massive success so far, with three victories to his name and 56 more points than four-time world champion Vettel, who is yet to win in 2014.
When asked if he sees himself as a leader of the new Red Bull, Ricciardo said: "I don't think much changes in that role. I've tried to do as much as I can for the team this year in terms of steering them in the right direction, so I have just a bit more experience with them. That will increase next year and Dani will probably take a little while to form his relationships with them so I think there's a bit of responsibility to at least steer them in the best direction to start off as possible. Dani coming in should be fun. I've enjoyed this year with Seb, I'll enjoy the last few races and then see how we get on with Dani."
Ricciardo recognises the fact Kvyat's elevation required even more faith from Red Bull than his own in 2013, with the Russian yet to complete his first season in F1, but he sees no reason to doubt the logic behind the decision.
"It's a bit surprising but I think Red Bull took a similar risk in a similar scenario with me last year and I think that's paid of really well for them. They have that same opportunity to take with Dani, plus I'm sure he's bit cheaper than Alonso as well! Maybe that money [the team saved] can go into the development and we can hopefully fight for the world title."
Red Bull lost the constructors' championship it retained for four straight seasons to Mercedes in Sochi and Ricciardo says the task awaiting its drivers in 2015 is to re-establish the team as the dominant force in F1.
"I wouldn't say it worries me," Ricciardo said when asked about Red Bull losing its position at the top of F1. "It's clear this year Red Bull is not the dominant team it has been for the last four years, I guess. But that's inevitable; you can't stay on top forever. I don't fear it all decreasing for next year and I don't fear a downward slope but obviously it's now up to me and Dani to keep the team at the front and to try and build and get them back to the top."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
