Don’t be fooled by Daniel Ricciardo’s trademark smile.

The Australian will “grow horns” at Red Bull and give new Formula One teammate Sebastian Vettel hell like predecessor Mark Webber, ex-world champion Alan Jones says.

The frosty relationship Webber had with reigning four-time world champion Vettel was well documented.

And Vettel hinted Ricciardo could expect more of the same after claiming ahead of this weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix that the 24-year-old would be “on his own” in 2014.

At face value, the happy-go-lucky Ricciardo appeared vulnerable against the all-conquering Vettel; unlike intense compatriot Webber.

But 1980 world champion Jones said Ricciardo’s ever present grin masked a raging bull.

“He’s got a lovely smile which I think relaxes people the wrong way because he will grow horns when he has to,” Jones said.

Vettel and Webber famously fell out after colliding at the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix.

And they barely spoke after Vettel disobeyed team orders and passed Webber to win last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix.

Jones believed Ricciardo will have to take up where Webber left off to keep Vettel honest in 2014.

“The first guy you have to beat is your teammate,” he said.

“You are not there to go to dinner or have a dance with him.

“If that means not talking to him after the third or fourth race, so be it.”

Webber managed nine wins in Vettel’s shadow before walking away last year to lead Porsche’s return to the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic.

Ricciardo’s best grand prix placing is seventh.

But Jones backed his prediction this week that Ricciardo could finish the year in the top three.

“He’s got the qualities that you need – car control and he is quick. Anything other than that doesn’t matter,” he said.

“And it’s always good having Aussies in the field. I am hoping Daniel will carry the baton.”