Glorious Daniel Ricciardo & Mick Schumacher’s New F1 Spotlight Taken Credit For: ”I Really Was the First Guy to Convert”

In the modern F1 era, a test driver’s role in the car’s development is massive. The role has almost become synonymous with that of a third driver, the one trusted to stand in for the team when one of the regular drivers is unfit to race. That, sadly, wasn’t the case too long ago and former world champion Damon Hill credits himself for changing that trend, the trend that has kept the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Mick Schumacher in the media’s limelight lately.

Hill started out in F1 in 1991 as Williams’ test driver. The team was one of the most sought-after contenders in the championship back then. The very next year, he joined Brabham as a regular driver, but the stint did not carry on for long as the team went under owing to financial struggles. However, his big break came in 1993 when both drivers Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese left Williams, and Hill was promoted to race alongside Alain Prost.

Speaking on the role of a test driver on the Fuelling Around podcast, the 1996 world champion said, “You’re a bit of a vulture, you’re sitting there on a branch hoping that someone slips on a banana skin. Obviously, you don’t wish that, but if someone gets Covid and they can’t drive, you’re in. That’s it, in you go.”

“At that time it was seen as a dead-end job. Basically, if you were a test driver you were a failed racing driver. I really was the first guy to convert, I think, and I’m sure historians will pick me up on this.”

Read More: Daniel Ricciardo Gets Emotional Over Missing Out On F1 Action in 2023: “The Sound, The Smell…”

Both Ricciardo and Mick are waiting for the opportunity to make a comeback soon as regular drivers. While they do that, Brazilian legend Felipe Massa has a word of advice for them.

Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull only to participate in promotional events?

As Daniel made a switch to Red Bull as a development driver, the move caused a buzz around Sergio Perez’s place in the team. The team’s consultant Helmut Marko issued a clarification, assuring Checo of his place. He also revealed what the Honey Badger’s role for Red Bull will be limited to.

Speaking with ServusTV last month, Marko said, “We have to remember that we are a great team.”

“We also have the largest number of sponsors on the grid. This means that we also have many commitments every year, such as car shows and roadshows in the United States.”

“Who can do it better than Ricciardo with his smile, his shoeys and I don’t know what else he has up his sleeve?” he added.

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Daniel and Mick plan on making a comeback in 2024. Until then, they will have to prove their worth as the competition with rookies could prove to be tough.