It’s a question that Formula 1 drivers are frequently asked and many give very similar responses.
Daniel Ricciardo was the latest driver to be presented with the question of which two drivers he would have in his perfect F1 team.
Speaking to the Formula 1 website, he admitted that he had two former world champions in mind ahead of Brazilian icon Ayrton Senna.
He instead chose seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher ahead of Senna which is unsurprising as he’s another common answer to this question.
However, his first choice was a lot more unique but nevertheless incredibly deserving.
Alongside Schumacher, Ricciardo said he would have 1978 F1 world champion Mario Andretti in his dream team.
The 84-year-old is one of the most decorated drivers in the history of motorsport and might not be quite done with Formula 1 just yet.
READ MORE: Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Daniel Ricciardo names Mario Andretti and Michael Schumacher in his F1 dream team
Michael Schumacher’s achievements in Formula 1 are already very well-known and need little explanation.
His time with Ferrari created a generation of fans for the team and they’ll be hoping the signing of Lewis Hamilton can help them return to those glory days next season.
Mario Andretti may not have achieved the same level of dominance in Formula 1 as Schumacher but there’s a clear reason why Ricciardo chose the Italian-born American driver.
Andretti won multiple CART Championships in the 1960s, before returning in 1984 to win his fourth title.
He won the Indianapolis 500 in 1969 and the dirt racing USAC Silver Crown in 1974.
However, Andretti also spent 16 years racing on and off in Formula 1, achieving his first race win at the 1971 South African Grand Prix.
It was his time at Lotus that stood out in F1, and after finishing 3 behind Niki Lauda and Jody Scheckter in 1977, he won the championship the following year.
Andretti is one of only three drivers to have won races in F1, IndyCar, NASCAR and the World Sportscar Championship and deserves his place alongside Schumacher in Ricciardo’s team.
Michael Schumacher and Mario Andretti cemented among F1’s greatest drivers
Asked to name his dream team, including a team principal, Ricciardo said: “I think Mario Andretti is one that I always admired for like doing both championships, the American stuff and the F1 stuff, being a champion.
“I think he was very multi-dimensional as a race car driver. I’d put him in there.
“Then I’d go… it’s [Ayrton] Senna or [Michael] Schumacher, I feel like they’re the obvious ones.
“Let’s say Schumacher because I feel everyone will say Senna. And his technical feedback, I believe, was some of the best ever. To run the team? Eddie Jordan!”
Mario Andretti could return to Formula 1 paddock once again
While Andretti was quick enough to be considered among the greats like Schumacher and Senna by Ricciardo and other fans, he’s also helped build one of motorsports greatest dynasties.
Andretti’s sons – Michael and Jeff – have both won IndyCar titles, while his nephew John also raced in the series.
His son Michael is the owner of Andretti Autosport who are hoping to become the 11 team on the Formula 1 grid.
After initial approval from the FIA, it was Formula One Management that eventually turned down their application.
However, at the Miami Grand Prix, Mario Andretti told Martin Brundle that they’re still aiming to be on the grid in 2026.
That might be easier said than done, but it would be a big boost for F1 – especially in America – to see the Andretti name in the paddock once again.
The post ‘Always admired’: Daniel Ricciardo says he would pick 1-time F1 champion over Ayrton Senna in his dream team appeared first on F1 Oversteer.