The curtains came down on the 2020 F1 season under the nightlights of the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Many drivers like Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas, and Daniel Ricciardo showed their grit and fighting spirit. Ultimately, it was the fabulous Lewis Hamilton taking the title home once again.
Relatively speaking, some drivers punched above their weight to deliver some impressive performances. The race at Monza highlighted that, as well as Renault’s Ricciardo picking up two podiums that showed the power of the midfield.
But who then, according to Ricciardo, was the best driver in the 2020 F1 season? The 31-year-old Australian had a very interesting answer, much like almost every other time!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Daniel Ricciardo picks himself in the Top 3
Speaking to a podcast, Ricciardo stated, “The Mr. Consistent at the top, of course, is your Lewis Hamilton. So he’s going to be there whether he’s first, second, he’s going to be there.”
“Then you go down to Red Bull. Obviously Max as well, Max is always there. So he is in contention,” Ricciardo added.
Despite the accolades and podiums for others, the Australian driver definitely made a case for himself in the 2020 season. And that was also his response when asked about his final pick.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Probably myself, after all that! It’s hard not picking yourself, but it’s also hard picking yourself… But you know I’d put it this way, I’d put myself, Max, and Lewis in the Top 3. I’d sneak myself from those in front,” concluded an enthusiastic Ricciardo.
The Renault driver had a very strong 2020 season
In relative comparison to the machinery at hand, one can say that Ricciardo did get the most out of the Renault car. Following a disappointing 2019 season, he had to bounce back and challenge the existing Top 3 drivers in the standings, which is what he eventually did.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He fought brilliantly over the course of 17 races and only missed out on P4 to Sergio Perez by six points. So all things considered, Ricciardo deserves to be mentioned as one of the Top 3 drivers this season. But whether he was the best driver among them all, will continue to be a point of discussion for Formula 1 fans.