Daniel Ricciardo revealed Mark Webber apologised for the saga that resulted in Oscar Piastri taking his seat at McLaren.
During the summer break, it became clear the eight-time Formula 1 race winner was no longer part of the Woking-based team’s future when Piastri denied Alpine’s announcement confirming him as a race driver for 2023.
Before the Belgian Grand Prix, Ricciardo and McLaren mutually agreed to part ways at the end of this year, with Piastri later confirmed as his replacement when the Contract Recognition Board decided a two-year deal signed on July 4 was valid despite Alpine’s protests.
As Oscar’s manager, Webber played a key role in securing his driver Daniel’s seat at McLaren, but later consoled the man who replaced him at Red Bull in 2014.
“We hadn’t seen obviously each other in person [since the summer break],” Ricciardo said via Motorsport.com.
“I feel he didn’t need to, but he felt like he wanted to, in a way, apologise and try to just see how I’m doing.
“Obviously I know how this sport is – it’s nothing personal to me. He wanted to make sure I knew that and understood that and just to make sure I felt okay.
“He feels really bad, obviously, [in] how it’s gone down and obviously how things have been put out there in the media. So yeah, it was obviously nice to speak to him.”
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Ricciardo also confirmed he has spoken to Piastri, adding: “I’ve also spoken to Oscar and just made sure there’s no bad feelings there. I understand how this works.
“He’s trying to make it, he’s trying to get into Formula 1 and this moment should be also really big for him. I don’t want to make it a bad situation for him.
“That’s that, it’s nothing personal. So that’s all the conversation was and I truly wish him well. I want him to have a good run in Formula 1.
“So it’s just the circumstances and that’s how it is. But I still obviously like Mark a lot and respect him.”
Piastri also voiced his respect for Ricciardo, acknowledging it is tricky knowing he could potentially be knocking him out of F1.
“As a fellow Australian, it’s unfortunate that of all people on the grid it’s Daniel whom I will be replacing,” the current F2 champion told Formula1.com.
“Daniel is someone I’ve watched as a fan for over 10 years since I started racing, effectively.
“I have immense respect for Daniel – his achievements in the sport, his race wins and podiums, but also his personality he brings to the sport. I think he’s a fantastic personality for the sport.
“I wish him all the best for whatever his future holds. That said, I don’t get to choose which driver I replace.
“I can’t not take an opportunity because the previous driver in that seat was Daniel.
“McLaren were extremely keen to have me on board and it was an opportunity that was too good to refuse.”
