Australian Formula One legend Alan Jones has urged Daniel Ricciardo to take full advantage of Red Bull’s dominance and target a world championship with the team before it’s too late.
Ricciardo will graduate next year from Toro Rosso to replace compatriot Mark Webber as Sebastian Vettel’s teammate at Red Bull, after confirming a multi-year deal on Monday.
The 24-year-old from Perth edged out the likes of former world champion Kimi Raikkonen for the coveted drive, with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner declaring he was “absolutely” the right man for the job.
“He’s really deserved this graduation on merit,” Horner said.
“He’s a talented youngster; he’s committed; he’s got a great attitude.
“Yes, there are drivers that obviously have great achievements under their belt. But if you don’t give somebody the chance, how are they going to get those achievements?
“Daniel’s very quick. We know he’s very quick. It’s a wonderful opportunity for him and I think he’s going to be a big star of the future.”
Jones, the last Australian to win a F1 world championship with Williams in 1980, said the move was “fabulous” for both Ricciardo and his home country.
“It always makes any sporting event more interesting to watch when there’s an Aussie participating and it’s a wonderful chance for Daniel,” Jones told AAP.
“He’s got to grab the bull by both horns now and go for it.”
Ricciardo has been sponsored by Red Bull since 2008 and is following the path Vettel took a year later when he switched from Italy’s Toro Rosso to their British-based sister team Red Bull Racing.
While Jones admits it might take the young pilot a season or less to settle into the No.2 seat next to a three-time world champion, his selection proved Red Bull were committed to supporting talent discovered through their young driver program.
“There’s been a lot of kids go into that program and have never survived it – and Daniel is one that has,” he said.
“As far as Red Bull’s concerned, they know they’ve got Vettel. If it takes Daniel 12 months or thereabouts to get into the groove with that particular team, I think they’ve probably factored that in.
“Hopefully he’ll go from strength to strength, utilising the good team that he’s got.”
Red Bull have dominated the past three seasons, winning consecutive constructors’ titles with Vettel at the helm of each.
“But teams don’t stay on top forever,” Jones added.
“We’ve seen Ferrari dominate; we’ve seen McLaren dominate; we’ve even seen Williams dominate. Every dog has his day.
“Certainly they’ve got the wherewithal to produce a good car for next year and he’s just got to take full advantage of it.
“I don’t know about next year but I’d certainly say yes, Daniel is capable of winning a championship.
“I think the kid grows horns when he hops in the car and that’s all you can ask of him.”
