Ricciardo not ready to sign new Renault deal?
Daniel Ricciardo says he is not ready to sign a contract extension at Renault.
In the past days, the Australian denied that he might be a contender to replace Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari, due to his new two-year Renault deal.
But Ricciardo has also expressed concern about Renault's progress.
"Patience is the keyword at this stage of my career," the former Red Bull driver told Corriere della Sera.
"Overall it's been positive, even if it's also been a difficult year. But I accepted the challenge because I needed something fresh.
"It's a change that allows me to improve as a driver and a person.
"I was under no illusions. You don't just start winning overnight. I wanted to get out of my comfort zone even if that meant taking a risk.
"What was for sure is that I wouldn't have fought for the world championship. At most, I would have been on the podium," Ricciardo added.
The implication is that at the time of his decision, all the momentum at Red Bull had been in the direction of Max Verstappen.
In that way, Ricciardo says he relates to Sebastian Vettel's current situation.
"Maybe it's similar to how I felt a year ago," said Ricciardo. "Frustrated and vulnerable."
But even though he is now at Renault, 30-year-old Ricciardo says he wouldn't currently jump at the chance to sign a new deal to keep him in yellow beyond 2020.
"Right now, the answer is no. But not because I don't trust Renault," he said.
"I want to wait for the second part of the season. I expect some signs," Ricciardo explained. I would like us to be fighting with McLaren for fourth place."
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Whee-yoo!
I was starting to worry that, now that Alonso has finally calmed down, we'll have ran out tantrums. Thank God for Ricciardo. The show goes on!
Ricciardo, Ferrari, Monaco, Monza, Interlagos(?) hmmm..has a ring to it.
I don't think anyone, other than rookies and Grosjean, sign contracts that don't include a get out quick clause covering equipment performance. Dannyboy could jump the fence faster than a yank can say 'we are world champions of everything'...well ok, maybe not as quickly as that..
As Danny said let's see what goods Renault can come up with after the holidays. I know Danny's talents are being wasted at Renault. team Renault should be really concerned about the Maclaren and there Renault engine, out shining team Renault what in my book should be the faster car. that is what Ricciardo and team RENAULT should be focusing on at this stage. go go Danny
Ricciardo is the equal of any driver in F1 now. Put him in a Ferrari or MB and get out of his way!
Ferrari fuc up! They should have signed Riciado & they would have wins on the board in 2019
You must be having a serious laugh with that comment. Ferrari have shot themselves in the foot again and again this season, as they did in spectacular style last year. One of the reasons why Vettle had such a poor season was because he was trying to guide the team - not just focusing on driving exclusively. Dan Ric couldn't walk into Ferrari and change their culture.
The top drivers and rookies must be sick of the favouritism giving to Max .His Dad have to much influence .
Dan deserves a drive with Ferrari or MB.
Changing teams is always a gamble. Sometomes it pays off, look at Hamilton. Put any of the top drivers in an MB and they'd be world champion.