Daniel Ricciardo says the one thing that he dislikes about having a career in F1 is that success is largely dependant on what “materials” a driver has, in reference to their car.
This time last year, he was on the cusp of his first season with Renault after surprising everyone by opting to leave Red Bull. However, his maiden campaign with the French manufacturer wasn’t particularly positive, as they were usurped to their targeted fourth place spot in the championship by McLaren.
Ricciardo has won races previously, with Red Bull, but he wishes that long term success came down to the talent of the driver rather than other aspects.
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“That is probably the only thing I don't like about my chosen profession,” he said on The Today Show.
“Unfortunately, it is not like tennis, where you cannot really blame the racket if you go wrong. You are very dependent on the material. It is your job to end up with the best team possible, so you get the best material.”
He goes on to describe the battle for superiority among constructor teams as “bizarre”, and thinks that even getting into F1 is just half the work required, as if drivers want to eventually win they will need to climb the ladder to join a top team.
“It's a pretty bizarre technological battle between manufacturers,” he added.
“It is already an achievement to be one of the 20 drivers who are allowed to drive in it, but of course, you want to be the best and reach the top."
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