Watch: Sebastian Vettel backs Daniel Ricciardo amid latter's contract termination with McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo, the Formula 1 racer will part ways with McLaren after completing the nine last races of the year together. It was quite an emotional moment for the star Australian racer as the termination of the contract comes a year early ahead of the deadline. To get out of a partnership all of a sudden is no easy thing for any racer and it will have the same effect on Ricciardo's career as he informed his fans to await the future course of action.

Amid this, the legendary racer Sebastian Vettel, who'll take his retirement from his favorite sport at the end of the season, opined on the issue and said that it was unfortunate for the Australian. Vettel expressed his empathy for the Formula 1 drivers and said that his counterpart deserved only the best.

"Maybe I have too much empathy for Formula 1 drivers, but very saddened by hearing what's going to happen to Daniel. I think it's a very very difficult situation to be in. I think he's still one of the best drivers," Vettel said. He said that it was a pleasure racing alongside Daniel Ricciardo and recalled their early days together.

"I raced against him and I had the pleasure to race against him. Not so pleasurable side of getting beaten by him, years ago," he said further.

"I think he's still one of the best drivers"

Sebastian Vettel reflects on racing with and against Danny Ric #BelgianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/mCN0dk09qt

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 25, 2022

Vettel extended his support to the 33-year-old and said that Ricciardo's talent will help him get through the difficult situation. The veteran said that the Australian is being forced to be in a difficult situation and blamed McLaren for failing to extract the Australian's true potential.

"And I still I think he has a very, very much to offer. I think in this regard, I don't know the details but I guess McLaren failed to extract the potential that he has. And it's sad to see that, you know he's been put in a difficult position but I wish him obviously all the best. And I am sure that ultimately the talent he has and the qualities he has will come through, will shine through," he concluded.

It’s been a privilege to be a part of the McLaren Racing family: Daniel Ricciardo:

Daniel Ricciardo said that it was a privilege for him to work alongside the McLaren Racing family and cleared the air over the termination of his contract.

"It’s been a privilege to be a part of the McLaren Racing family for the last two seasons but following several months of discussions with Zak & Andreas we have decided to terminate my contract with the team early and agree to mutually part ways at the end of this season,” Ricciardo was quoted as saying.