Coronavirus: Ricciardo expects 'chaos' when F1 returns

Renault's Daniel Ricciardo

Formula One fans can expect "some form of chaos" when drivers finally return to the track, according to Daniel Ricciardo.

The Renault star anticipates some major drama when the 2020 F1 season begins, with bosses eyeing a July start in Austria.

With the coronavirus pandemic having sent the sport into a prolonged shutdown, Ricciardo envisages a frenetic return to racing.

"[It will be] some form of chaos, hopefully in a controlled manner," the Australian told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I am not really referencing cars everywhere, but there is going to be so much rust; a combination of emotion, excitement, eagerness.

"Everyone is going to be ready to go.

"You are going to get some guys who perform on that level of adrenalin and others who might not. So you're going to get some bold overtakes, some miscalculated ones. You're going to see a bit of everything, I'm sure."

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The 30-year-old suggested that he and other more experienced drivers will have an initial advantage, with younger competitors potentially taking added time to acclimatise.

Asked if there would be an adjustment period for retuning drivers, Ricciardo said: "If this was my first year or two in F1, if I was still not completely adapted to it, my answer would be yes.

"But winter testing is normally a good reference point. My first few winter testings, day one always felt like a bit of a shock to the system again, and the further my career has gone on, the less of a shock that has been.

"The rookies, the first-year, second-year guys, [they] will feel it a little bit more."