Daniel Ricciardo has opened up on his decision to leave Red Bull for Renault in 2019, admitting right now it’s “f***ing terrifying”.
The Australian will bring to an end a 10-year association with the Austrian drinks giant and a five-year stay at their senior team, picking up seven wins along the way.
There is a wide range of opinions being given about Ricciardo’s call to take what is likely a step back into a current midfield team, but for the 29-year-old, the reasons are clear.
“I needed to listen to my heart, I needed to go it alone and make my own decision,” he told The Player’s Tribune.
“Change is scary – it’s f***ing terrifying, and I know the next part of my journey won’t always be easy, but I had to take this step to try to be the best version of me.
“That’s all it was. It was the next step, the next leap, a new challenge. I’m going to Renault next year, and I’m going with an open mind and a full heart.
“Nobody has a crystal ball, or can predict the future or the results of my decision, but nonetheless a decision was made.”
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Before that though comes a difficult goodbye with this Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix the final time Ricciardo will step into a Red Bull car.
“For now I want to end this year strong. It’s not going to be easy, mentally. I know that,” he said.
“Each lap I turn in the car will mean one lap closer to my last in a Red Bull race suit and when I get out for the final time in Abu Dhabi, I think I’m going to have a right good cry.
“Maybe a few of ’em. Then winter will come, I’ll go meet my new Renault friends, and I’ll start anew,” the Honey Badger concluded.