Red Bull team figures like Christian Horner, Dietrich Mateschitz and Helmet Marko have all said they were “surprised” by Daniel Ricciardo’s pace so far in 2014.<\/p>\n
Perhaps that is because the fresh-faced Australian’s form casts a pall over the recent achievements of the team’s quadruple world champion, Sebastian Vettel.<\/p>\n
Indeed, Ricciardo’s first ever F1 team boss, Dr Colin Kolles, insists he is not surprised at all.<\/p>\n
With Red Bull’s backing, Kolles – who also knows Vettel well from his days in the F3 scene – gave Ricciardo his first seat at now-defunct HRT in 2011.<\/p>\n
“Sebastian is extremely experienced despite his young age, but Daniel is also extremely talented,” Kolles told the German newspaper Die Welt.<\/p>\n
“Sebastian has more pressure on him as a four-time champion, an obligation to win, while Daniel despite his discipline and seriousness is a completely relaxed character.<\/p>\n
“That’s a tremendous advantage over Sebastian,” he said.<\/p>\n
“When I first heard that Daniel would be driving for Red Bull, this scenario was completely clear.<\/p>\n
“As I said, I know both drivers, and Daniel is at least equivalent to Vettel at a very high level.\u00a0 So what has happened has not surprised me.<\/p>\n
“Both are very talented, disciplined and aggressive.\u00a0 Both are of the new generation after Michael Schumacher, Raikkonen, Alonso.<\/p>\n
“But Daniel due to his character and his situation is completely carefree with these cars and the new regulations, which is his greatest asset.<\/p>\n
“When he was at HRT I could see he was a natural talent, a really exceptional driver.\u00a0 For me he is a future world champion, although hardly anyone except me noticed it at the time.<\/p>\n
“No one in F1 respects a team like HRT, so just us and Red Bull and a few insiders knew how good Daniel was.”<\/p>\n
Asked if Vettel will ultimately reclaim his top status at Red Bull, Kolles answered: “No one knows.<\/p>\n
“I can only say that it will not be easy for him, and Daniel will have his fun, as will the audience.<\/p>\n
“He (Ricciardo) is a gift for formula one, and I see the duel as very exciting, because it is completely open.”<\/p>\n
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