Daniel Ricciardo reflects on McLaren move now he’s flying at Renault

Aussie F1 star Daniel Ricciardo’s thrilling Eifel Grand Prix podium could raise some questions about whether he made the right call.

What a third place finish for Daniel Ricciardo.

Daniel Ricciardo’s third place at the Eifel Grand Prix ended a long drought for the Aussie — and Renault — but the success arrived in somewhat bittersweet circumstances.

Ricciardo’s much-maligned move from Red Bull, who were and still are constant contenders in the championship, to the “best of the rest” Renault in 2018 was perplexing to many and seen as a backwards step for the 31-year-old.

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Despite eight retirements in 20 races in his final season for Red Bull, the departure still left many scratching their heads.

And the haters appeared to be right as 2019 was essentially a write-off with Ricciardo dropping to ninth in the drivers’ championship — his worst performance since he drove for Toro Rosso.

Although Renault wanted to hang on to Ricciardo beyond 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic left the Aussie with a decision to make as the start of the second season of his two-year deal was postponed.

He chose to move to McLaren next year, who usurped Renault in the 2019 season.

But two thirds of the way through 2020 the Perth-born star must be starting to question that decision after charging to fourth in the drivers’ standings — ahead of both Ferraris, one Red Bull and both McLarens.

Ricciardo has only bettered his current position twice — in third-placed seasons in 2014 and 2016 at Red Bull — and will be hoping his results are more about him than his car.

Daniel Ricciardo finally got the podium he and Renault were after.

While there are still six more races and anything could happen, it’s a phenomenal effort for Ricciardo with the Renault car taking large steps forward.

But his elusive podium in Germany might not have happened if not for future McLaren teammate Lando Norris breaking down with about 15 laps remaining.

Ricciardo, who had been hotly pursued by Racing Point’s Sergio Perez, was allowed a pit stop to set him up for a 10-lap sprint to the finish.

Far from thinking about the future implications of a broken down McLaren handing him his first Renault podium, Ricciardo told Sky Sports that he was pleased to ride his luck.

“It was pretty stressful but it’s been two and a half years since I’ve got a podium and it’s really nice,” he said.

“When we signed on the dotted line of this Renault contract, it was to be up here and get a podium by year two — we’ve achieved that.

“Next year is another story. I am moving on but I think this does still cap a pretty cool story that we’ve had and shared for these two years and good news is, it’s not over yet.”

It was an odd day for McLaren with Carlos Sainz in fifth and Lando Norris’ car taking a smoking break.

Looking ahead to next season, what appeared a clear decision earlier in the year has become more cloudy.

McLaren use Renault engines currently but will switch to Mercedes power units from 2021.

Although McLaren sits two points ahead of Renault in the constructors’ championship this season, Carlos Sainz has had far a from a flawless year in the seat Ricciardo will fill in 2021.

A second place at the Italian Grand Prix was the high point but he has retired twice (although his Russian crash was driver error) and has only tallied enough points to sit 11th in the drivers’ championship.

Meanwhile, Ricciardo has three fourths, a fifth and a sixth to go with his fresh third-place finish.

But despite the vastly different fortunes between Ricciardo and his McLaren rivals so far this season, the West Australian reiterated that he’s happy with his choice.

“To be honest, I’m obviously OK with it and positive and excited for next year but I’d much rather end on a high,” he said.

“People think it’s easier to leave if we’re struggling and it’s like you’re moving on to something better but I don’t want a struggle period. I want to have success in every race.

“To leave here with success and on a positive and with the team with a lot of excitement and happiness, to see them all today, it’s cool. I’m OK with everything right now and just really happy that we’ve had a successful season and to be fighting up the front again, that’s what I want. It’s nice to be up the pointy end.”

The team were definitely happy.

He added: “I know a lot of people have been wanting this and have had my back to see me up here in Renault so thanks for everyone who’s wanted to see this as much as I have.”

Ricciardo will leave Renault in a better place than when he started.

After some animosity when his decision to leave the team was made, Renault and Ricciardo appear to have made peace.

Even his old team Red Bull were happy for the Aussie with second place finisher Max Verstappen drenching Ricciardo in champagne on the podium before the team posted a sweet congratulations.

Also, congrats to our old mate @danielricciardo on his drive to P3 👏 Now...... about that tattoo 😅 #EifelGP 🇩🇪 #F1 pic.twitter.com/VLkkJ87Hl6

— Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) October 11, 2020

Red Bull have struggled to find a driver to compete alongside Max Verstappen since Ricciardo left, so maybe the Aussie is the X-factor in making the teams he’s been at better.