How Hulkenberg reacted to Ricciardo's Renault move

How Hulkenberg reacted to Ricciardo's Renault move

Joas van Wingerden

Friday 28 December 2018 11:21

Nico Hulkenberg joked that he was "on the floor" and "crying" when he was informed that Daniel Ricciardo was signed to partner him at Renault in 2019. The German continued in more serious tone that Ricciardo's arrival is "good news" for the French team as they look to move into race-winning contention.

Ricciardo stunned F1 by confirming a switch from Red Bull to Renault, the Australian citing the need for a change as key in his decision.

Renault have claimed that they expect to fight for grand prix victories in 2020 with a title assault slated for 2021 if their development remains on-track.

The battle between Hulkenberg and Ricciardo will be of interest in 2019, with the German having seen off Jolyon Palmer and Carlos Sainz in his two previous years with the team.

Asked how he had reacted to the news of seven-time race-winner Ricciardo's arrival, Hulkenberg said with a glint in his eye: "I was devastated, I was on the floor, I was crying. it really hit me hard…"

After a chuckle, he continued: "No, I was okay with it. I got a phonecall the day before, it was good news."

Check out the rest of the Q+A below, in which Hulkenberg picks his favourite circuit and makes a revelation about junk food that Renault might want to pretend they didn't hear…