96617f71cc80fc7bc7b85df7e43ac7dad5015d7c

Webber believes Ricciardo "has made a bet" with Renault switch

10:42, 05 Feb 2019

byJoseph Tyrrell

Former Formula driver Mark Webber has spoken out about Daniel Ricciardo’s Renault switch and believes he has taken a huge risk.

Webber raced for Red Bull between 2007 and 2013 as well before retiring, as well as having stints at Jaguar, Williams and Minardi, winning nine races in 215 starts.

At Red Bull Webber became the first Australian to lead the championship since Alan Jones in 1981 and he believes his compatriot is risking everything moving to Renault.

"He's made a bet and he wants to win it, unquestionably," Webber told Speed Week.

"What I do know is that Red Bull was very fair with him.

"Time will tell.

"Renault has a lot of excellent people, so if Renault can improve their performance, Danny will be there.”

Webber also spent a lot of time at Red Bull with Sebastian Vettel.

The German won four world titles between 2010 and 2013, alongside Webber and he believes Leclerc’s arrival at Ferrari is a kickstart for his former teammate.

"The situation they were in after 2018, Ferrari had to change something.

“There was a lot of pressure and now this is a new opportunity for Seb,” added Webber.