Daniel Ricciardo: “Red Bull will close the gap in 2018”

Winner in Azerbaijan this season, Daniel Ricciardo remains the best provider of points for Red Bull Racing ahead of the season finale this weekend in Abu Dhabi. The Australian particularly benefited from his consistency at the start of the year against his teammate Max Verstappen, victim of several mechanical damages on his RB13.

But the two drivers were unable to join the fight for world crowns and hope to reverse the trend in 2018. “This year we still had high hopes, admitted Ricciardo at a press conference in Abu Dhabi.

I believe next year we will close the gap. Will it be enough to fight for a title? I think we can definitely get closer but we'll see. I don't want to predict too early. I'm sure we've learned a lot this year and I believe we'll do a good job over the winter to start off strong. »

Ricciardo also looks back on his 2017 season, and is clearly waiting to raise his level. “On a personal level, I want to make sure I fill in the blanks. There were some great races. Obviously, I wish all twenty were great, but not all of them were,  underlines the Red Bull driver. 

For me, it's about evaluating the year once it's over and then trying to understand what I could have improved. I'm sure there are things on the track but also off the track.

Obviously I give everything every year, but next year I want a good chance. I was pretty happy with 2017. I still have some improvements to make and I can't wait to squeeze a little more out of myself. »

Threatens Max

Daniel Ricciardo also highlights the contribution of Max Verstappen for his first full campaign with the Milton Keynes team. The Australian believes that the Dutchman has made significant progress this season, notably with his two victories in the last five Grands Prix contested.

“It’s going to be exciting. Max improved this year compared to last year , specifies Ricciardo.  I wouldn't say he's come a long way because he was always there but he's definitely improved and I think next year it's going to be a lot of fun, so I'm looking forward to it. And we hope we can add a world title to the eight we have. »