Daniel Ricciardo admits to overestimating Renault

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that he underestimated the size of the gap between Renault and the top teams in Formula 1. The Aussie moved from Red Bull and has not finished a race at his new team this season. Ricciardo had hoped that Renault would be more competitive but knows that he is in for the long run. 

"I knew it would take time, but in my heart, I just expected to jump in the car and the first lap be like sweet, we are going to be good," Ricciardo claimed as quoted by F1i.com.

"Coming a step back as far as grip and handling, it is no secret that we are not on the pace of the car I had last year. So that is something I need to figure out again."

Ricciardo said that when he started for Red Bull he felt that "everything becomes easier, you have more grip, and it is like, oh wow the car can do this?" 

"So trying to come back down to figure out the best way it is the moment. For yesterday for sure and in Melbourne, I was overdriving the situation.

"A bit of patience and discipline for me, but that is cool. It is challenging in itself to learn that and figure it out. In a way that is exciting, so that is cool."

Renault will hope that they can fix their issues and get both cars to finish in the points in China.