LONDON (UK) – Daniel Ricciardo says he feels happier leaving a successful Renault instead of one that is grappling, after retaining the French manufacturer’s first Formula One podium since 2010.
The Australian, who is leaving for McLaren at the end of the season, finished third in Sunday’s Eifel Grand Prix.
He said, “Next year’s another story, I am moving on, but I think this really does cap a pretty cool story that we’ve had and shared for these two years.”
“I’m obviously OK with it and very positive and excited for next year, but I would much rather end on a high,” added the 31-year-old.
“People think it’s easier to leave if we’re struggling and, yeah OK you’re moving onto something better, but I don’t want to struggle, period. I want to have success in every race.
“So to leave here with success, and on a positive and with the team — a lot of excitement, happiness, it’s cool. I’m OK with everything right now and just really happy we’ve had a successful season.”
Renault’s last podium in Formula One was with Poland’s Robert Kubica in 2010. And, the team finished fifth last year.
Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul said Ricciardo was more confident in the car now.
“The team has progressed, it’s very visible since a few races,” he said. “We understand the car better, the setup works better.
“There is something that clicked between Daniel and his car and his race engineer… I think the confidence level has just improved but simply because he has got a better car, he’s capable of doing what really he wants.”