Doohan says F1 will cope with Vettel and Ricciardo exit
Nov.28 - Formula 1 will brush off the loss of two of its most familiar names, according to motorcycle racing legend Mick Doohan.
Today, Doohan's 19-year-old son Jack - sixth overall in Formula 2 this year - is starting to make a name for himself in the F1 paddock as he signs up in a development role with Alpine.
Australian Mick Doohan, however, was asked about what sort of impact on Formula 1 the departure of Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo will have in 2023.
"When I stopped, or anyone else stopped, people also said 'How will the sport continue?'" 57-year-old Doohan told the Dutch magazine Formule 1.
"That always happens, but the sport always goes on. It's a pity for the talent, for the drivers, but it's good for the sport. Otherwise the sport would die when the personalities leave."
At the same time, Doohan admits that it is "tough for Formula 1" to lose two "great characters" like Vettel and Ricciardo "at the same time".
"But the sport is always bigger than one or two drivers anyway. The sport will always produce new personalities. Everyone is a personality in the paddock," he smiled.
2 F1 Fan comments on “Doohan says F1 will cope with Vettel and Ricciardo exit”
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Mick is spot on. F1 has seen some great drivers depart the sport and new ones always step up to take their place. It is evolution and it keeps the F1 business alive and well.
Oscar Piastri comes to McLaren with an excellent pedigree to replace the ailing Ricciardo. I am tipping him to be a future WDC when he gets a competitive car.
F2 currently has a number of above average drivers waiting for the opportunity to make the grade into F1. I believe that all three levels, F1, F2 and F3, have great talent available that ensures the business will only grow stronger.
Correct. F1 has & will always cope after certain individuals leave, be that through choice or forced.