Daniel Ricciardo Claims Credit for Turning around ‘Timid’ Renault F1 Team

Daniel Ricciardo finished his two-year stint with Renault this year as he moves to McLaren for 2021. The Australian claimed two podiums for the French team this season as the team finished in P5 with 181 points, 90 more than 2019.

Renault did not have the best start to the season, but turned their fate around mid-season. The team was the most improved constructor as the drivers claimed three podiums towards the second half of the season.

Renault’s performance turnaround was clear through the season, and Daniel Ricciardo explained that his feedback to the team over two years was very beneficial.

“Obviously, I’m not claiming it all but some feedback I was giving and trying to help out and everyone was trying to move forward but yeah, I see it as a success from that point of view.”

“I see a lot more confidence in the team as well, just in terms of personnel and there is that feeling now of ‘we can do it.

“It felt like I walked into a bit more of a timid environment last year early on and it’s not a criticism, it’s just the team wasn’t used to it,” he further added.

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Daniel Ricciardo claims Renault’s improvement was not a fluke

Renault have been struggling for a few seasons now, with no tangible success. Ricciardo explained that such a run could create some self-doubt. However, he lauded the team for their hard work, persistence, and pointed out that it was not a fluke.

“It’s not as though we fluked a couple of results. I really believe we were there and we persisted. There were so many fourth places and then we finally made it happen,” Ricciardo pointed out.

“But I think the turnaround as well, to see the step from last year to this year, shows that the work that was done last year, the building blocks, definitely came to fruition and we definitely got a lot of use out of that learning from 2019,” he added.

Daniel Ricciardo will drive alongside Lando Norris next season. The Honey Badger is a proven race winner, and McLaren will hope that he drives their car to regular podiums and help build on a successful 2020 season next year.