Ricciardo "had a bit of an idea" Perez axe announcement was due

Daniel Ricciardo has claimed he "had a bit of an idea" Sergio Perez would be leaving Racing Point after speaking to him following Sunday's Italian Grand Prix.

Perez has revealed to receiving a call from Racing Point team owner Lawrence Stroll on Wednesday which he has said he "didn't expect", informing him he was being axed after previously being led to believe his seat was safe.

After seven years with the team, Perez is to be replaced by Sebastian Vettel whose six-year tenure with Ferrari comes to an end at the conclusion of this campaign.

Renault driver Ricciardo, though, has suggested he had an inkling something was in the offing post-race at Monza.

With Perez hoping to remain in F1, despite the limited number of seats available, Ricciardo said: "He's certainly worthy of a seat, to say the least. As a competitor, I rate him, and as a person, I get on with him.

"Actually I saw him Sunday after the race and I had a bit of an idea this was going to be announced soon.

"It's obviously fairly late [in the season]. It's not crazy late, I think he's still got time. Where are we? September? Yeah, he's still got time, there are a few seats available. I hope for him he finds a seat."

With just a year in age between the duo, Ricciardo added: "He's still young. He's a year younger than me. What is he? 30? He's young, still a baby!

"I wish him well, I certainly do, and I hope to see him on the grid in '21."

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