Ricciardo: “I’m building something with Renault”

Winter coincides with the season of hopes. For his second year with Renault F1 Team, Daniel Ricciardo filled up with motivation. Present at the Renault Workshop on the occasion of launch of the 2020 campaign this Wednesday, February 12, the Australian remained true to his optimistic nature.

“I look forward to blending in better with the team thanks to the full year together. In this sense, things will be simpler. I imagine everything will be fine once I get behind the wheel during pre-season testing in Barcelona. I already know my engineer, the goals, what to work on and the general characteristics of the car.

We should therefore be immediately operational. All this also means I can provide more immediate feedback and it will be easier to make comparisons between the RS19 and RS20. »

Daniel Ricciardo, only ninth in the championship in 2019, believes he has learned the lessons of this complicated year.

“I learned a lot about myself and about the team obviously. From my side, one of the most important lessons was realizing that it's not just about having the smartest people in the paddock. Each individual within the team must give their best. »

“The main thing is to try to find a way to work best with the people I'm around the most, to help them be the best version of themselves, and to know how I can perform at my best that day. -there. So far I'm enjoying the experience and building something with Renault. »

Proof of his desire to do well, the thirty-year-old engaged in a substantial fitness program after the holidays.

“I started back earlier than planned, which isn't really like me as I like to distance myself a little from sport. After a short period of recovery, I couldn't hold still and I simply wanted to get back to it to be ready. »

“Something inside me was just waiting for this. So I alternated my different routines in the gym and outside while my trainer Michael put me through new exercises. »

After Nico Hulkenberg, Daniel Ricciardo must create a working relationship with a new teammate, Esteban Ocon. Which doesn't seem to bother him.

“I’m looking forward to working with Esteban. It's always exciting to start the year with a new teammate. It's an opportunity to collaborate with a new driver and develop osmosis while pushing each other to be the best possible. I think Esteban brings a positive dynamic with his youth and his thirst for success. He also missed a season in Formula 1, so I think he will be extremely keen to do well. »

This is a common point between the two representatives of the Losange.