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Ricciardo says he will be a more mature person in 2019 F1 season

Ricciardo says he will be "a more mature person" in 2019 F1 season

12-02-2019 12:40 Last update: 13:05

It's not often you see a seven time Grand Prix winner join a so-called midfield team in the peak of their career, but that's the gamble Daniel Ricciardo has taken, by moving from Red Bull to Renault for the 2019 season.

Ricciardo’s recent time at Red Bull was blighted by unreliability and he only managed to step on the podium twice, for his wins at China and Monaco.

The change was needed, and with spaces unavailable at Mercedes and Ferrari, the Australian took the plunge and joined Renault, who finished fourth in the Constructors’ Championship last year, 297 points behind Red Bull.

However, Ricciardo has always backed the move, and in Renault’s press release, he is quoted as saying: “I’m here to do a job on track and drive as fast as possible, but I would like to bring the team energy.

“I want to put a spring in everyone’s step because that’s 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’d like to be a catalyst for positive energy.”

“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.”

What do you think of Ricciardo's chances this year? And check out Renault's car here!