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Daniel Ricciardo's cheeky dig at Renault boss before F1 switch

chris young
Sports Reporter
·2-min read
Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is pictured during a press conference prior to the Spanish Grand Prix.
Aussie F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo says he gets to choose a tattoo for Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul if he gets onto the podium this season. (Photo by XPB/AFP via Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo might be switching his F1 allegiances next season, but he’s hoping to leave a more permanent mark on Renault first.

The affable Aussie star was asked about a bet he’d placed with Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, in which Ricciardo gets to select a tattoo design of his choice for his boss if he manages to get to the F1 podium this season.

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Ricciardo came close to getting a payout on that bet when he finished fourth at the British GP two weeks ago - the first of two races held at English circuit Silverstone.

He’s hoping for a similarly optimistic result in Spain this weekend, openly talking up the team’s chances despite inconsistent results over the first five rounds.

“It’s a bit foggy, but I believe he chooses placement and size, and I choose the design,” Ricciardo said.

“We’ll clear that up. But it’s a tattoo and he does not have any, so it’s a big deal for Cyril.”

Ricciardo was unsure of what design he would go for if he returned to the F1 podium after last taking his place there in 2018.

“I don’t know, I think it will be something probably a little spontaneous, spur of the moment,” he said.

“But it’s got to be something funny that when he looks at it, he shakes his head and it’s like, ‘Remember those times?’ One of those ones.”

Daniel Ricciardo bullish on Renault’s chances at F1 Spanish Grand Prix

The West Australian last stood on the podium when he won the Monaco Grand Prix with Red Bull in 2018.

He also finished fourth for Renault in Italy last September and said he would be disappointed not to make it this year if the chance came.

Daniel Ricciardo is pictured driving his Renault F1 car.
Daniel Ricciardo's Spanish GP weekend has gotten off to a promising start in free practice sessions. (Photo by BRYN LENNON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"I do want to stand back up there and be delivered a trophy on a robot or whatever they're doing now," he said, referring to the COVID-19 protocols that keep the drivers apart on the podium.

"I miss that, and I'll probably get a fine for drinking out of my shoe but it will be worth it."

Ricciardo is also known for his 'Shoey' celebrations, drinking the podium champagne from a sweaty boot.

With AAP