Daniel Ricciardo had to “remain composed” when battling midfield
F1 News
- Bevan Youl
Daniel Ricciardo has said that he had to “remain composed” whilst battling in the midfield with Renault throughout 2019, admitting that it helped teach him some discipline since driving at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing.
Ricciardo made a switch from a front of the grid team in Red Bull to Renault who are trying to work their way up to the same place since their return as a works team in 2016.
But they were battling in the midfield once again with McLaren, Toro Rosso, Alfa Romeo and SportPesa Racing Point, something the Australian enjoyed as it helped him develop as a driver.
Ricciardo also explained how the fierce midfield fight forced him to evolve as a driver through the season.
Ricciardo said to Motorsport.com that it "keeps you on your toes".
"But I think the biggest thing is understanding how to be perfect.
"It's so easy to overdrive and to try to get that extra tenth, and you end up losing a tenth.
"It's trying to remain composed. You're always trying to get the most out of the car but I think [it's] just being more conscious of what a bit of overdriving does.
"Especially with the midfield, the car is obviously not as good as the front guys. So if you do have a slide, I think you lose more time and overheat the tyres and you seem to pay a bigger price.
"Learning when to be sensible and when to try and get a bit more out of it, it's taught me probably just a bit of discipline over anything else.
"Because the long and short [of it] is you're always trying to drive as hard and fast as can. But picking your moment is probably the best way to put it, a bit of discipline and experience."