“Remember, when Seb left Toro Rosso to join Red Bull Racing the team was
in no way the winner that it is today. Seb has contributed a lot to make it
happen.
“So if you want to be the new kid on the block you better have all these
facts in mind and show even more commitment to come at least close to Seb.
That will be a rough ride.”
If Ricciardo does get the nod, with an announcement expected at the end of
August, Tost will urge him to “prepare mentally” up until finally
going head to head with Vettel next year.
Asked as to how Ricciardo would achieve that, Tost added: “That in the
second half of the season he is inhaling that amount of self-confidence that
he needs to survive in a team like Red Bull Racing.
“A simple example: if the car is not perfect, you override it and don’t
lament. You work with what you’ve got as what you got is probably down to
your own mistake – so go out and fight.
“You start to understand all the others are also putting on their pants
one leg at a time – even a Sebastian Vettel.
“That he is moving over with a high fighting spirit and not settling for
a passive role. Our talks move alongside these topics.”
Should Ricciardo not be chosen, he has assured both him and team-mate
Jean-Eric Vergne they are assured of their places at Toro Rosso for 2014.
“Absolutely,” addeded Tost. “Both are very talented, both have
a future in F1. If you give them a competitive car you will find them at the
front.”
(Edited by Oliver Pickup)