F1 News
Ricciardo finally finding his rhythm with Renault
Jake Williams-Smith
Daniel Ricciardo says he is finally settling in at Renault after his move from Red Bull.
The Australian had a difficult start to the season, forced to retire from the Australian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix as well as coming to a halt in Bahrain with just a handful of laps remaining.
Since then, Ricciardo has gradually worked his confidence up with the R.S.19 and now he says he is at a point where he feels comfortable in his new environment.
"In winter testing I thought that I got up to speed well, and that was that, but getting that last five per cent, that was going to take time," Ricciardo told media.
"But I'd like to say I'm in that window now, whereas I wasn't in the first few weekends."
Heralded as one of F1's best overtakers, Ricciardo was slow to adapt to the brakes of the Renault compared to those on the Red Bull he was so used to however the Australian explained that he has grown much more familiar with his new equipment.
"Now I'm actually comfortable and I'm already starting to drive a little differently compared to what I was [doing] last year in some areas," he added.
"Even the way you brake into a corner or the way you pick up the throttle based on the characteristics [of the car], I feel I've already adopted new habits. Now it does [feel natural].
"Nico came out strong at the start of the season and outqualified me in the first race," said Ricciardo. "He only had one run in Q2 and I had two chances and didn't get him. But since then I've been able to put it together."
