Ricciardo set for "crazy race" at "unpredictable" Nürburgring

Daniel Ricciardo believes Formula 1's return to the Nürburgring this weekend will likely result in a "crazy race" given the variability in the weather.

After basking in 30-degree temperatures on the Black Sea for the Russian Grand Prix, the Eifel GP in the heart of the mountainous region from which the race takes its name is forecast to be extremely different.

Rain is a constant across the three days, while temperatures for qualifying and the race are set to be no higher than eight degrees, which will prove an issue for all drivers in an attempt to get heat into the tyres.

Wary of the challenge ahead, Renault driver Ricciardo said: "The weather report looks quite cold and wet, so it’ll be very different to our last few races where it’s been warm.

"It’ll be interesting to see how the car behaves in these conditions. Overall, given the time of year, it could be quite an unpredictable weekend so we could be in for a crazy race. Let’s see what happens. I’ll be ready regardless of the weather."

F1's last visit to the Nürburgring was seven years ago when Ricciardo was in his second full season in the sport, with the Australian qualifying a superb sixth for Toro Rosso, a result he concedes left him "pretty stoked", only to slip back to 12th by the chequered flag.

Assessing the challenge on this occasion, Ricciardo added: "I am looking forward to racing the circuit again.

"In terms of the track, the last chicane is quite fun as you approach it quite fast and jump over the kerbs, making the exit of the corner quite wild.

"In today’s Formula 1 cars it will be very quick, so it should be fun. It’s one of those classic circuits, which I’m sure most drivers have raced during their career, and we go there looking to build on the positive run we’re on."

Before you go...

Hamilton not in Stewart's top-three all-time F1 drivers

Nürburgring holds "emotional" attachment for Wolff

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

When is the next F1 race? Austrian Grand Prix schedule and details for 2026

• Yesterday 23:21

Was Lewis Hamilton change to blame for Ferrari crash at Barcelona Grand Prix?

• Yesterday 22:57

Lewis Hamilton stakes 2026 F1 title claim: 'Nothing is impossible'

• Yesterday 21:51

George Russell to hold talks with Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton thrashing at Barcelona GP

• Yesterday 21:12

Kim Kardashian calls Lewis Hamilton live in the paddock after landmark Barcelona GP victory

• Yesterday 20:31

FIA announce LATE penalty for Mercedes star at Barcelona Grand Prix

• Yesterday 20:07