“If He Retired, I’d Better Get in Quick” – Daniel Ricciardo’s Special Request to Vettel

Daniel Ricciardo revealed that he would prefer doing a helmet swap with his former Red Bull teammate, Sebastian Vettel. The Australian sounded quite fond of getting the swap done. However, he added that he is yet to approach the #5 driver regarding the same.

The Renault driver was asked about which driver’s crash helmet he would like the most. “To be honest, Sebastian,” he said.

“Maybe I have a bit more time as he is staying in the sport a little longer. But if he retired this year, I had better get in quick.”

Ricciardo and Vettel teamed up in Red Bull Racing for the 2014 season before the German decided to leap into one of the Ferrari’s seats.

“I haven’t done a swap with Sebastian and, because he was a teammate, it would be nice to do that.

“I’ll have to ask Sebastian as I am yet to do that yet.”

Such gifts or exchanges are not really uncommon in Formula 1. For instance, recently, the Schumacher family gifted Lewis Hamilton with Michael Schumacher’s crash helmet. This is always viewed as a “sign of respect” between the drivers.

Daniel Ricciardo reveals the gifts he has received over the years

The ‘Honey Badger’ opened up about his gift collection from his former teams over his time in Formula 1. “I’ve got some nice gifts for sure,” he said.

Ricciardo revealed that he had received a steering wheel before his departure from Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri back in 2013. Similarly, Red Bull, too, had something to offer the Australian before his switch to Renault.

“Red Bull gave me a dirt bike, so that was pretty awesome as well. I feel quite spoilt with these gifts,” Ricciardo said. Now, he is looking forward to the beginning of the helmet collection, which he is looking to kick-start with Vettel.

“Each year, I will try and do a couple of swaps, and it is cool.

“I like to keep a collection for myself with my designs, but I also like to trade with another driver,” he added.

Apart from the helmet from Vettel, the Australian can expect something from Renault as well by the end of this season.

Considering he has gifted the team with two podiums in this season alone, Renault will want to repay him with something quite big before he departs to Mclaren next year.