Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo says greater “clarity” on his career direction will have a positive impact on his performance through the upcoming Formula 1 season.
Ricciardo spent the opening half of 2018 weighing up his Formula 1 future before ultimately choosing to end his decade-long association with Red Bull by signing for Renault.
Ricciardo won two Grands Prix last year – in China and Monaco – but his season was largely blighted by an array of mechanical setbacks, particularly in the second half of the campaign.
“Last year we had some highs and some happy moments,” said Ricciardo, as Renault unveiled its R.S.19.
“There were also some points of frustration. I was craving a change and everything I learnt in 2018 will make me a better version of myself in 2019.
“The difference will be a more mature person.
“I have more clarity of where I’m going and I aim for that to be shown with good results on track.
“I feel a lot of positive pressure and expectation to do good things, but that’s something I’m looking forward to taking on.”
Expanding further on the new chapter in his career, Ricciardo said: “It’s always exciting to get behind the wheel of a new race car and begin a new season.
“2019 will feel different because I’m jumping into a totally new car and a new team.
“There will be a lot to learn; understanding a new steering wheel, sitting in a new seat with new mechanics strapping me in and a new engineer talking to me, but that whole process is an exciting prospect.
“Obviously, I’d love for the R.S.19 to be the fastest car on the grid, but for now, I want to see progress on the engine from last season and ensure the team remain motivated.
“I’m here to do a job on track and drive as fast as possible. I would like to bring the team energy.
“I want to put a spring in everyone’s step because that’s also part of my job and also my character.
“I aim to be able to get the team to work that extra bit harder, put in more effort and rally everyone together. I want to be a catalyst for positive energy.”
