Vergne understands McLaren: 'Our sport can be tough'

Jean-Eric Vergne is a hands-on expert. The Frenchman too was once pushed aside by a Formula 1 team, in his case Torro Rosso. Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz then became the drivers of Red Bull Racing's training team.

So Vergne can understand how Daniel Ricciardo feels now that McLaren has decided to part ways with the Australian. At the same time, Vergne, currently competing in Formula E, understands the team's decision, he told SkySports now. Vergne also sees the big difference between Ricciardo and teammate Lando Norris.

Team orders?

"Yes, he has won a race with McLaren and that race was probably his best with McLaren. There were also team orders with Lando being behind and not being able to attack because they wanted to secure a one-two. Then would he have won the race if Lando was allowed to attack, I don't know," Vergne wonders aloud.

The Frenchman says that in racing one good result is not enough. He says: "When there are two drivers, and one big difference between those two, then I can understand where they are coming from."

No judgement

Vergne does not want to pass judgment on McLaren's decision. "I'm not saying it's [been dealt in] a good way or it's fair. Our sport can be cruel. We've seen it in the past and we've seen it today. We will keep seeing it in the future."