Massa claims F1 NEEDS popular driver to stay in the sport for many years

Felipe Massa hopes that Daniel Ricciardo can stay in Formula 1 for several years after being given a lifeline at AlphaTauri.

The Australian replaced Nyck de Vries at Red Bull's sister team after being dropped by McLaren at the end of 2022.

He hopes to get back to the Red Bull team in due course and take Sergio Perez's seat alongside Max Verstappen.

READ MORE: Horner shares emotional farewell including Vettel tribute amid tragic news

Massa, a former rival of Ricciardo's, believes F1 needs to keep him in the sport thanks to his huge following and marketability.

Massa: It was the correct change

"In my view, it was a correct change, from what De Vries was showing," Massa told Motorsport.com.

"In fact, I expected much more from him for the driver that he is. Something didn't fit, but I think the change was correct.

"I hope that Ricciardo stays there for many years because he is a very important player in F1.

"He is a guy that everyone likes, he is a guy who has a very important charisma, with many fans. Without a doubt, it is a positive change.”

READ MORE: F1 boss breaks his silence on Ricciardo SNUB

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