Ricciardo still 'more excited than not' ahead of Renault move

Daniel Ricciardo has insisted he is still looking forward to joining Renault from Red Bull next year, despite the power units of the French manufacturer seemingly constantly letting him down, leading to several DNF results and a disappointing second half of the season.

Ricciardo announced during the summer he would be leaving Red Bull for Renault, with Red Bull also having previously announced they would be terminating their contract with the manufacturer in favour of Honda for 2019.

Even though the Australian is with Red Bull he is experiencing first-hand the Renault engines ahead of his move, and even though they have been underperforming, he remains excited about the prospect of joining in 2019.

“No. For sure I’m aware there’s work to do, that’s the truth, but I knew that as well when I signed," he told Crash.net.

“I think I’m still more excited than not, just about having a fresh environment and a change. Hopefully we get a good run the next few races, otherwise these guys will probably be sick of me as well losing my sh*t.

Thank you @redbullracing for the last 5 years. Many amazing moments which I'll never forget and be forever grateful for. Still plenty of 2018 left to create more memories and finish strong. pic.twitter.com/jNjnoT0hsj — Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) August 4, 2018

“So probably for everyone it’s a good thing I move on.”

Ricciardo believes bad luck is behind his recent troubles on the track as well as Renault engine issues, but admits he is baffled by the downturn in fortune.

“I’m not superstitious, but even if I was, I haven’t walked under any ladders, haven’t run over any black cats – sometimes I’d like to! I really don’t know," he continued.

“It’s just how it’s going at the moment. Why it keeps happening, I don’t think there’s an explanation.”

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