Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he would look at leaving Renault if progress isn’t made in 2020.
The Australian made the bold move to leave Red Bull for the French manufacturer this season citing the need for a new challenge.
But so far results have been limited and there is already a warning from Renault advisor Alain Prost that next season could be difficult as focus switches to 2021.
“If we went backwards from this year, then it wouldn’t have been where I’d expect to be and then [we’d have to see],” he told British broadcaster Channel 4.
“Ideally we move forwards and, yes, I remain.”
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Ricciardo though did concede that now at the age of 30, he isn’t prepared to wait forever.
“It’s a bit like the Red Bull thing; I felt like five years was enough time to let it try to work,” he explained.
“I really wanted to win a world title with Red Bull because they did get me into F1 and the story would have been perfect with them.
“Now this whole move to Renault. Ideally, I re-sign in 2021 and that’s because things are going forward and we’ve got a real chance.
“If it goes backwards and for whatever reason, it doesn’t look positive then I guess I’ll cross that bridge.”
Having left a situation of facing one up and coming talent at Red Bull in Max Verstappen, Ricciardo also finds himself back in that predicament in 2020, following Renault’s decision to take on Esteban Ocon.
“I don’t know a whole lot about his history but I’m pretty sure it was him and Max fighting for the F3 title the year before F1, and I think Ocon got Max in that battle,” he accurately recalled.
“Obviously if he’s of the standard and quality of Max then, of course, he’s not going to be slow and he’s going to be a very competitive and strong teammate.”