F1 Preview: A Lap Of The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo has cheekily put forward Charles Leclerc’s name as a potential match for Taylor Swift after playing down speculation linking Fernando Alonso with the singer. Alonso has teased F1 fans about the possibility of dating American popstar Swift with cryptic hints on social media, but Red Bull reserve driver Ricciardo doesn’t buy it and explained why he feels Ferrari star Leclerc would be a better match.
Alonso has begun the 2023 season in fine form, collecting four podiums in five races to put himself third in the Drivers’ Championship behind Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, with his former foe Lewis Hamilton behind him in fourth.
The 41-year-old’s pace has caught everyone by surprise, and he continued that trend when he fuelled rumours linking him to Swift, 32, after the pair broke up with their respective partners around the same time.
Alonso even posted a TikTok video on his official account with a nod towards Swift’s Eras Tour, with the Spaniard staying silent in the video clip while one of her songs played in the background. Sky Sports commentator David Croft also played on the idea that they could be together with several Swift-related puns during the Miami Grand Prix.
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But those expecting the Spanish racer to turn up with Swift in Florida were left disappointed and Riccardo, 33, laughed off the thought of the pair striking up a romance – predicting that Swift would prefer a partner more involved with the arts.
“Definitely not Alonso!” he said to ESPN. “I called BS on that from the start! And I hope I wasn’t the only one. So let’s just clear that one up!”
When asked for his suggestion on who Swift could date, he replied: “Someone who is into the arts. She strikes me as a pure artist.”
Leclerc’s name was then mentioned by the reporter and Ricciardo joked the 25-year-old has “got the piano going”, referring to the Monegasque’s recent release of a piano piece he composed based on his experience at the Australian Grand Prix.
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AlphaTauri’s Nyck de Vries was also mentioned in the conversation, as Ricciardo reiterated: “They have got a starting chance, for sure. Anyone who appreciates the arts!”
However, it seems the F1 world could be left disappointed after it emerged that Swift – one of the highest-selling musicians in history – is reportedly involved with The 1975’s lead singer Matt Healy.
And it seems that for now, Alonso and Leclerc may have to bide their time before they can consider making their claim for the Shake It Off star.
In any case, the pair have both recently ended long-term relationships and may want to focus on their driving. Their attention will now turn to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on Sunday, with Alonso keen to claim his first race victory since 2012.
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