Ricciardo offers SURPRISE take on Hamilton switch

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that he was one of the few people in Formula 1 not stunned by Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, which was announced at the start of the month.

The move has left the paddock in a spin as teams looks to solidify their driver lineups, but Ricciardo insisted that Hamilton's previous comments left him halfway expecting the Brit to end his career in red.

The 39-year-old, who will turn 40 when he gets the chance to race for his new team, has said that it has been a ‘childhood dream’ to race for Ferrari as he looks for his record-breaking eighth title.

But while fans and pundits alike are still coming to terms with the reality of Hamilton driving for the Italian team, Visa Cash App RB driver Ricciardo is not as surprised by the move.

READ MORE: F1 boss makes BOLD Ricciardo prediction ahead of new season

Ricciardo gives verdict on Hamilton transfer

"I always thought there was the possibility he could race for Ferrari so I would say it didn't shock me," the Aussie told Reuters.

"I think it was the timing, that one threw me a little bit. But seeing him in red? No, I can definitely understand it."

Ricciardo will embark on his first full season in F1 this year since he departed McLaren in 2022.

Having impressed at AlphaTauri in the second half of the season, he was retained by the team alongside Yuki Tsunoda as they look to branch away from being just Red Bull’s junior team with their new rebranding.

READ MORE: Hamilton, Horner and High Stakes: How fans fell back in love with F1

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