Daniel Ricciardo insists that he is enjoying the challenge with Renault so far in 2019 F1 season despite the lack of points results.
It has been an up and down season for Ricciardo with the Australian only having one point result so far and more importantly only two races where he has seen the chequered flag. Most certainly, it hasn’t been the start Ricciardo would have thought about with Renault.
Despite the lack of results, the Australian seems upbeat and insists that he has full confidence to get the best out of the situation now and in the future. “There’s still certainly a process,” he said. “I wouldn’t say I’m surprised by anything.
“Obviously we would have hoped for better results than what we’ve currently got and we all want that and we’re all honest enough to admit that. It would have been nice to get a few more seventh places as opposed to struggling for the top tens.
“We didn’t expect to be in podium contention or anything, certainly not at this stage, but I still see what I saw when I signed as far as the input that everyone’s having and the infrastructure is still going up. Motivation certainly hasn’t dipped, by any means.
“It’s going to take a bit more time but I’m certainly trying as well and doing everything I can. I feel that also, everything that I’ve put in has really been taken on board and the team is certainly willing to grow and learn.
“I’m not saying it’s all me but at least my input has been quite positive, I think. I’m enjoying it, I really am. Obviously I would love to get better results but as an environment I am enjoying it so hopefully a special weekend here and that will kick things off nicely.”
Heading into Monaco, Ricciardo was reminded of his epic win last year with Red Bull Racing. While he understands it isn’t possible this year but he is keeping his mind intact still. “I’m certainly still coming as excited as I always do,” he said.
“When I say coming here, I also live here, but it’s still different coming here for the race or being here for the race. The circuit transforms and there’s a different feeling in the air. I don’t know, the whole atmosphere is pretty unreal.
“I’ll see where we’re in practice. “I am obviously quietly confident and excited and optimistic that we can do something good.” Along with Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg also has just six points with Renault sitting only eighth with 12 in constructors’ standings.
