Breaking news: Sebastian Vettel pays tribute to Daniel Ricciardo……. read more 

Sebastian Vettel pays tribute to Daniel Ricciardo……. read more 

Sebastian Vettel has recently paid tribute to his former Red Bull Racing teammate Daniel Ricciardo in a touching Instagram post. The four-time world champion, now retired from Formula 1, has been using his social media to reflect on the most significant moments of his career, and this latest tribute highlights one of Ricciardo’s most iconic performances.

Vettel and Ricciardo formed a dynamic driver pairing for Red Bull during the 2014 F1 season. It was a transitional year for the team, with Ricciardo stepping up from Toro Rosso and Vettel preparing to make a move to Ferrari by the end of the season. Despite being teammates for just one year, they shared memorable moments on the track, with Ricciardo’s performances earning widespread admiration.

Since announcing his retirement from Formula 1 in 2022 through a surprise video post on Instagram, Vettel has become increasingly active on the platform. He’s been revisiting key milestones from his illustrious racing career, as well as moments involving some of his fiercest competitors and closest allies. Among these, Ricciardo’s standout win at the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix has taken center stage in Vettel’s recent post.

In his tribute, Vettel recalls Ricciardo’s remarkable drive during the chaotic Hungarian GP — a race full of drama, strategy shakeups, and surprise results. Ricciardo, then only 25 years old, delivered a spectacular performance that earned him his second Formula 1 career victory. Starting fourth on the grid, he showed composure and brilliance as the race unfolded in unpredictable fashion.

The 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix was disrupted early on by a heavy crash from Marcus Ericsson, which brought out the first safety car on lap nine. A second safety car period followed on lap 23 after Sergio Perez, who would later become a Red Bull driver himself, also crashed out. These interruptions turned the race strategy upside down for many drivers, including Vettel.

Vettel, who had qualified in second position and was among the favorites to win, suffered a major setback after spinning out in the same area where Perez had crashed. Though he managed to recover and continue, the incident cost him valuable time and positions, ultimately relegating him to a seventh-place finish. It was a frustrating day for the German driver, who had been poised for a strong result.

With Vettel out of contention, Ricciardo rose to the occasion and delivered a drive that cemented his status as one of the brightest talents on the grid. He executed a series of masterful overtakes, including a bold move on Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes, and another on Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari. The latter overtake, which occurred at Turn 1 on lap 68, sealed Ricciardo’s win and showcased his fearless racing style.

Vettel’s post highlights not just Ricciardo’s skill and racecraft, but also his resilience and ability to seize the moment. The win in Hungary was a defining achievement in Ricciardo’s career and a proud moment for Red Bull, especially in a season dominated by Mercedes.

Reflecting on that race, Vettel acknowledged how Ricciardo’s performance helped secure crucial championship points for the team, particularly in a race where circumstances had derailed his own campaign. The tribute underlines the mutual respect between the two drivers, both of whom contributed significantly to Red Bull’s legacy.

Now retired, Vettel continues to honor not just his achievements but also those of his peers. His recognition of Ricciardo’s brilliance in Hungary 2014 is another example of his sportsmanship and enduring passion for Formula 1. For fans, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of one of the most thrilling races of that season — and a celebration of Ricciardo’s rise as a top-tier driver.