Daniel Ricciardo: I'm not giving up my car for Fernando Alonso

Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo: I'm not giving up my car for Fernando

Australian feels two-time F1 champion needs no help ahead of return in 2021

Ian Parkes

Thursday 9 July 2020 17:10

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Daniel Ricciardo has made it clear to Fernando Alonso he will not be giving up his Renault seat this year in order to allow him to prepare for his comeback in 2021 with a handful of practice sessions.

Renault announced on Wednesday that two-time F1 champion Alonso would be returning to the team he has driven twice for previously, ending what will be a two-year sabbatical, and replacing McLaren-bound Ricciardo. While team principal Cyril Abiteboul has suggested Alonso will arguably not require an FP1 outing, Ricciardo claims the 38-year-old needs no additional assistance.

Asked specifically if he would give up his car in FP1 to help Alonso, a typically smiling Ricciardo said: ""No!" While laughing, he added: "I heard the words 'help Fernando Alonso', and he doesn't need any help.

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"Look, it didn't look like he'd slowed down at all with age [in] his last season. His last season in F1 was a pretty strong one from everything I heard and saw.

"Obviously the results weren't always there, but as far as getting the most out of the car, I think that was pretty evident he was.

"So I don't think he needs help. I don't know if he'll be back trackside at a few races or whatever. As far as him sitting in on meetings, absolutely no worries, but I'll do as much driving as I can."

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