Ricciardo: Renault move is 'f***ing terrifying'

Daniel Ricciardo has provided some reasoning as to why he opted to announce his departure from Red Bull for the end of the 2018 season to move to Renault, but admits that the prospect of switching Formula 1 teams is 'f***ing terrifying'.

The Australian has been part of the Red Bull family for a decade whether it be as a junior driver or a driver with Toro Rosso or the Red Bull works team, but in 2018 he has suffered a disappointing campaign in which he has recorded eight DNF results.

With Max Verstappen viewed as the golden boy of Red Bull by many, Ricciardo decided to make the big decision to move to Renault, even if the idea is scary to him.

“I needed to listen to my heart, I needed to go it alone and make my own decision,” Ricciardo told The Player’s Tribune.

“Change is scary – it’s f***ing terrifying.

“And I know the next part of my journey won’t always be easy, but I had to take this step to try to be the best version of me. That’s all it was. It was the next step, the next leap, a new challenge.

“I’m going to Renault next year, and I’m going with an open mind and a full heart. Nobody has a crystal ball, or can predict the future or the results of my decision, but nonetheless a decision was made.”

Ready to see off the 2018 season? ?? The #AbuDhabiGP starts right here ???????? pic.twitter.com/NhPKaKqdhR — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 22, 2018

Ricciardo has confessed that after he performs in his last ever race for Red Bull at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, he may struggle to hold back the tears.

“But for now I want to end this year strong. It’s not going to be easy, mentally. I know that," he added.

“Each lap I turn in the car will mean one lap closer to my last in a Red Bull race suit. And when I get out for the final time in Abu Dhabi, I think I’m going to have a right good cry.

“Maybe a few of ’em. Then winter will come, I’ll go meet my new Renault friends, and I’ll start anew.”

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