Daniel Ricciardo says he opted for a move to Renault after growing tired of waiting for Mercedes to give him a “black and white answer” on a potential switch from Red Bull. Ricciardo was tipped for a move to either Mercedes or Ferrari in 2018, but will instead gamble on Renault’s project coming to fruition.
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As it soon became apparent that Ferrari would swap Kimi Raikkonen with Charles Leclerc, and Mercedes announced Valtteri Bottas would remain with the team at the German GP.
It left Ricciardo seemingly likely to stay with Red Bull, but his announcement of a move to Renault shocked F1 – as well as his employers, who had prepared a video confirming his stay.
The Australian was effectively on the market for the first time in his career in 2018 and says he will learn lessons from his year.
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Daniel Ricciardo
He told ESPN of discussions with Mercedes: “I knew talks would take a bit of time probably and again, trying to feel each other out, but it got to June/July and maybe we had spoken a few times and we hadn’t really got anywhere, so if you want me tell me otherwise, I will move on – that’s cool.
“I guess it gets to the point like that with everyone where you want a black or white answer and that’s it. I guess the games can wear a little thin.
“I don’t even know if it’s games, but circling around the edges, it’s like – just go straight in! But these are all things I will learn, and I am sure there will be another time in my career where I will need to go through this process again.
“I am sure there’s things I will do differently. I don’t necessarily have any regrets, it’s all just a learning process.”
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Daniel Ricciardo
