Ricciardo could have driven with Porsche at Le Mans in 2015

In addition to his 7 Grand Prix victories, Daniel Ricciardo could count on a prestigious success in 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

Asked in Bahrain about his future collaboration with Andreas Seidl at McLaren, the pilot Renault a révélé qu’il avait eu des contacts avec le team principal allemand dès 2014 lorsque ce dernier officiait chez Porsche en Endurance and that Ricciardo had revealed himself under the colors of Red Bull en F1.  

Subject of the conversations: a place on the 3rd 919 Hybrid that the German manufacturer planned to enter in the 24 2015 Hours of Le Mans. 

« I look forward to working with Andreas, Ricciardo said about Seidl at a press conference. Our first exchange dates back to 2014. At the time, the possibility of doing Le Mans with Porsche was mentioned. There had been approaches ». 

Ricciardo was not the only F1 starter in the running, as the profile of Fernando Alonso had also been considered, just like that of Nico Hulkenberg, who finally won the race after receiving the green light from Force India. 

The German won in Sarthe alongside the Briton Nick Tandy and the New Zealander Earl Bamber.

« We had actually discussed with Daniel, Seidl confirmed this Friday morning. Unfortunately, he had not received permission to take part in the project. I think the experience would have been interesting, for us as well as for him. The car he was supposed to drive was actually the one that won. 

I've been watching Daniel's career in F1 since he started. I love his results on the track as much as his enthusiasm outside the car. It's important to have such a personality in the team ». 

The two men will finally have the opportunity to work together starting next year.