Ricciardo: 'I would’ve expected a world title or three'

Daniel Ricciardo expected to have several Formula 1 world titles by now, the Renault driver said speaking openly in an interview with Formula1.com.

Ricciardo moved from Red Bull to Renault with seven race wins but having never been able to mount a championship charge, something that Ricciardo told Formula1.com hurts him.

“It’s what I certainly aimed to have, but if I’m really honest with you, after my year in 2014, if I then look at 2020, I would’ve expected a world title or three,” said Ricciardo.

“From 2014 onwards, I’m certainly not surprised, if anything I’m a little bit underwhelmed.

“But in 2011, to put myself here and to know the impact I’ve had in the sport and where I’ve put myself, then for sure I’m happy, I’m proud. But I’m not there yet and not done.”

Ricciardo has gained a reputation for being one of the best overtakers on the grid, but this was not always the case. Upon joining Formula One with the Hispania team, the Australian was considered a 'soft touch', and Ricciardo made it his mission to change this perception.

“At first I felt other competitors would take advantage of me being the nice guy,” Ricciardo continued.

“Especially when I got into F1 it was like, ‘He’s too nice, we’re going to bully him on the track’ and I think they did for the first six months. I felt like that was going to be a reputation that was going to stay with me unless I quickly adapted.

“Then it was really 2014 when I felt everyone was still saying, ‘He’s got a fast car now but he’s still a soft touch’ and I could play to that and surprise them on track.

“That’s where these dummy overtakes, these lunges, I feel I really caught everyone by surprise and that was very powerful for me.

“I know what I’m capable of. Even know I’m smiling, but I’m quietly killing with a smile. It’s good.”

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