Ricciardo has no secret answer to slow-starting Red Bull "myth"

Former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo has been left stumped by the "myth" that Red Bull always start a season slow before improving rapidly across the year.

“It’s the myth. The myth of Red Bull," said Renault driver Ricciardo when questioned on the gradual upturn in performance of his former employers across a season.

The Renault driver said: “I feel like it was really always a bit the case. We would start the season and a top four-top five would be a good start but then by May-June, podiums are on and then later in the year everyone is expecting wins."

Taking the 2020 season in isolation, the myth in question appears invisible in the points scored across grands prix weekends.

But it has been noticeable in the increased threat posed by Max Verstappen on the two Mercedes drivers during races.

As to why each season seems to follow a similar trajectory for Red Bull, Ricciardo was unable to theorise an explanation.

“I’m not sure but the work ethic in the team was always very, very high," said the Australian. "I never sensed too many holidays over winter and any reason for the slow start.

“It was always just a bit of a myth. I wasn’t really sure why. I never saw any signs of it or any reasons why it should be the case. I saw no signs.

“It seems to be a bit the case again but they’re picking it up but I don’t have any hidden answers from my time there. That was the truth with that.”

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