Even Ricciardo's F1 rivals are fans of our Dan

Everyone in Formula One has been won over by Daniel Ricciardo - even race rivals.

The youngster with the giant smile exploded into the top ranks last year and Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button said he was a breath of fresh air. "He made me a nice present for Christmas last year, which was a nice surprise," Vettel said.

Button said: "I really like the guy. Daniel is a great character." Vettel has five world titles and Button one, and they believe Ricciardo can join them in their exclusive club.

Fair play to him, he's done a great job

"He's very talented. He was given the tools to perform last year and he did. He was the only guy to take a race off Mercedes," Button said. "We don't live far from each other so we see each other now and again. Fair play to him, he's done a great job."

Vettel admitted Ricciardo's results in his first season with Red Bull Racing had been a "surprise" but said none of it had been a fluke for the Perth-born driver.
 
"Obviously I was on the inside of the team and I saw what he did and it wasn't luck, so he really deserved what he achieved last year," Vettel said.

But that's where Vettel's praise ended, with the new Ferrari driver not wanting to predict any success for his former teammate in Melbourne. "I hope his chances are not too big now that we are really racing against him." 

Button also had a warning for Ricciardo, who is now the team leader at Red Bull with youngster Dani Kyvat as his team mate.

"The second year in a team is sometimes more difficult. I think now he's got to use his experience to get the maximum out of the car. Being the team leader can make you stronger or can affect you, particularly if you have an inexperienced team mate," Button said.