Daniel Ricciardo had encouraging words to offer Sebastian Vettel when quizzed on the latter’s struggles with Ferrari. Ricciardo expects the 4-time World Champion to “bounce back” after a sluggish start to the season.

In an ideal world, Vettel’s final season with Ferrari would have looked a lot different; 6 races into the season, Vettel’s yet to make his mark in the World Championship.

A win may be too big an ask, but even podiums seem unlikely with Ferrari’s current form.

“100% he should stay in the sport”: Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo, who teamed up with Vettel at Red Bull in 2014, backed his former teammate to break out of his downward spiral. Ricciardo believes Vettel’s analytical nature is one of his greatest strengths.

“I think one thing with Seb, is he’s very – it’s probably not the right word, but he’s very passionate about the sport,” Ricciardo said.

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“He loves it and I don’t think he’s a guy to just, I don’t know, scrunch up a piece of paper and throw it in the bin and just be like, ‘Ah, yeah, whatever.’

“He’s someone that’s going to analyse everything and find a way to improve or find an answer to a question. I don’t think he’s the guy to just walk away from a problem.

“He cares too much, whether it’s pure love for the sport, or about the pride he has in himself. But he’s just… German efficiency, I guess.”

The Honey Badger also reckons that Vettel should stay in F1 despite Ferrari not wanting him. “I think in the sport, I’ve enjoyed being not only a team mate but for sure a competitor with him.

“I said it really from the start, when the Ferrari news got announced, if he wants to keep doing it and if he believes he can keep doing it at the top level, that he’s shown in the last 10 years, then 100% he should stay in the sport.”

It’s apparent that the German driver isn’t too pleased with how his season’s going, and rightly so. Outbursts over the radio, candid admissions during interviews, and a general lack of enthusiasm are clear signs of a man that’s waiting to close the ‘Maranello’ chapter of his life.

Hopefully, the short break between another triple header will give the former World Champion enough time to make a strong comeback.