Instead, Carlos Sainz his boy in a move that surprised Webber since Ricciardo was the favorite to fill the void left by Sebastian Vettel in 2021.
“I was surprised,” he told Channel 4.
Watch the f1 pirelli styrian grand prix 2020 live on kayo. every practice, qualifying session and race live. new to kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >
“Daniel was the obvious answer on all of our lips to go into that role in terms of his credibility, race wins and being out of contract.”
Ricciardo is off to McLaren instead, avoiding some of the spotlight that would have otherwise come with representing Ferrari, who haven’t won a title since 2008 when they claimed the Constructors’ Championship.
“I know that at Ferrari the pressure is higher,” Sainz told COPE and Radio in June.
“With thick skin you have to beat the Formula 1 teams. Ferrari is a step with more pressure, but I think I am prepared to do it.”
Webber agreed that missing out on the gig at Ferrari may be in Ricciardo’s best interests as it will see him avoid the “chaos” that comes with the added pressure of turning around its title drought.
“Carlos is very professional and fits the Ferrari brand,” he said.
“I also think it’s smart for him to be one, but I have a feeling he’ll find himself in a lot of chaos.”
“Driving for Ferrari is very complicated and then you have Charles Leclerc as a very strong teammate.”
Webber admitted that he expected Ricciardo to partner with Ferrari, but believes McLaren will make the most of the Australian.
“I think we’re all looking for the Ferrari thing to happen, but to get an explanation of why it hasn’t been like this yet,” he told podcast In the Fast Lane.
“But you may have avoided a bullet with functionality anyway.
“I think it’s a good step. Only Daniel knows all the technical reasons around and environment of why that is going to be a better move for him from Renault.
“I think the Mercedes engine is something that is attractive to him going to McLaren and Andreas (Seidl) who I know well the new team principal there, too, from Porsche. He is a very organised man and he is putting the team in a very good position now.
“Daniel will be pleased to see McLaren’s functionality right now, it’s something that’s going to be for a little comfort, which is wonderful to see.”
“Lando (Norris) did well in Austria, a brilliant journey (to climb) to the podium with the most productive lap on the last lap to win Lewis through a few tenths, I think … so there’s a wonderful emotion around that.”
“So, Daniel, I think it is good for McLaren, good for him.”
Subscribe to our Fox Sports newsletters
By registering you are agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Privacy Notice
Success!