Daniel Ricciardo expecting ‘chaos’ when Formula One returns

The Covid-19 pandemic means that the 2020 season has yet to get under way

Daniel Ricciardo is expecting a chaotic return to Formula One and the Renault driver is raring to go after the coronavirus suspension.

The Covid-19 pandemic means that the 2020 season has yet to get under way, but the current plan is to begin racing behind closed doors in Austria on July 5.

Drivers’ representative Alex Wurz described F1’s safety planning as “immaculate” ahead of the planned launch of a truncated championship that Ricciardo believes could get off to an interesting start.

“(It will be) some form of chaos, hopefully in a controlled manner,” the Australian told BBC Radio Five Live.

“I am not really referencing cars everywhere. But there is going to be so much rust, a combination of emotion, excitement, eagerness.”

On the subject of returning to racing at the Red Bull Ring in July, Ricciardo added: “Everyone is going to be ready to go.

“You are going to get some guys who perform on that level of adrenaline and others who might not. So you’re going to get some bold overtakes, some miscalculated ones.

“You’re going to see a bit of everything, I’m sure.”

Ricciardo has been hunkered down on his farm near Perth during a lockdown that is keeping him safe and sane, but it has meant several months without driving.

“If this was my first year or two in F1, if I was still not completely adapted to it, my answer would be yes (it would take my body time to get used to driving again),” he said.

“But winter testing is normally a good reference point. My first few winter testings, day one always felt like a bit of a shock to the system again. And the further my career has gone on, the less of a shock that has been.

“The rookies, the first-year, second-year guys, will feel it a little bit more.”