Ricciardo rates podium-less Hulkenberg

Daniel Ricciardo says Nico Hulkenberg's reputation among the Formula 1 paddock is undimmed by his inability to secure a podium finish in his career to date. Hulkenberg holds the record for most grands prix entered without securing a top-three finish (158).

Ricciardo and Hulkenberg will be teammates in 2019 after the Australian's surprise move to Renault.

Although the former Red Bull man has seven race wins and 29 podiums under his belt, he expects a tough task to get the better of the German this year.

"I'll certainly take a lot of the highs with me and take them with me as confidence moving to Renault," Ricciardo told Autosport.

"And I'll need that as well because of Nico. I think that everyone who knows F1 knows his calibre.

"From the outside, you can think that he's done 200 races or whatever and never had a podium, but we all know he isn't that level of driver.

"So I know I'll need to bring all of this, not only to beat him, but also to help fast-track the team to progress."

Ricciardo took wins in China and Monaco last year, highlighting the latter as the finest moment of his F1 career to date, having gained redemption around the streets of Monte Carlo after losing out in 2016.

"I'll still hold onto Monaco forever because the aftermath of all that was the biggest high I've ever had," Ricciardo said.

"Walking back into the Energy Station that day after doing all the press - just seeing everyone...It was full, and I got a standing ovation, and I was so proud that everyone was so happy for me.

"I do this for myself, this sport, and the day I stop loving it I'll stop.

"Having that effect and making so many other people happy, that was awesome.

"That moment made me feel like I'm not just doing this for myself."

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