Daniel Ricciardo Reveals His Vow to Renault After ‘Tricky’ Exchange Over Exit
Follow Us
via Getty
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Daniel Ricciardo is set to begin a new chapter in his F1 career, having moved from Renault to McLaren for the 2021 season. The deal had already been announced before the 2020 season began.
Fans see this as a positive step for the 7-time race winner who took a step back when he joined the French team from Red Bull.
However, the man from ‘down under’ reveals that it was difficult to part with the Enstone-based outfit, purely considering the time when he had to make the decision.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He said, “Telling Renault that I was going to leave before we’d even done a race last year was tricky.
“It wasn’t easy telling them I was out, but this is a sport where you have to look out for yourself first and foremost. I felt McLaren was going to give me a better opportunity in the years ahead, simple as that.”
via Getty
BARCELONA, SPAIN. Daniel Ricciardo of Renault Sport F1. F1 Grand Prix of Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Ricciardo, however, didn’t bail on Renault during his final season there. He delivered on his promise and bagged not one but two podiums for the team. The Australian displayed very good consistency throughout the season.
Ricciardo expressed that some critics did not believe he would give his 100% to the team because he would be soon leaving. That is what drove his performance as he wanted to prove them wrong.
Daniel Ricciardo wasn’t going to leave Renault with unfulfilled promises
The ex-Red Bull star said, “A lot of teams would expect their drivers to maybe not give their best when they know they’re out the door at the end of the year, but I vowed they’d get all of me until the end. Maybe they didn’t believe me, but that was important to me.
via Getty
MONTMELO, SPAIN. Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 poses for a photo. Circuit de Catalunya on March in Montmelo, Spain. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
“So to say that, to have some podiums late in the year and then to get the fastest lap of the last race I did for them in Abu Dhabi on the final lap of the race – the last time I’ll drive a Renault – that was perfect. I gave them everything I had, then we go our separate ways.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
Adrian Newey Hits Out at Climate Activist Lewis Hamilton’s Fuel Protest, Desperate to See V10 Engines Again
April 15, 2024 12:35 PM EDT
Who are Zhou Guanyu’s Parents? Everything We Know About The Chinese Driver’s Family
April 16, 2024 02:07 PM EDT
“I Was Quite Depressed”: Adrian Newey Makes Brutal Revelation as He Reveals Red Bull Heavily “Struggling”
April 15, 2024 02:38 PM EDT
Lando Norris Spotted With Portuguese Supermodel in $700K+ Supercar
April 13, 2024 03:51 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Ricciardo split with Renault on the best of terms. Looking forward to his stint with McLaren, Ricciardo would hope that podiums are a lot easier to come by.
It may be too early to make a run for the championship, but Ricciardo is not going to give up on his dream. With experience and talent, his goal for 2021 would be to help McLaren bridge the gap on Mercedes, which according to the team’s CEO is very possible.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans cannot wait to see Daniel hit the track in his new papaya colored car. Will he be able to showcase his race-winning best at the Woking-based outfit? We’ll find out soon.
Written by:
