04/02/2019
NEWS STORY
Though it’s not the first time he has sported the Renault logo - before it was replaced by Tag Heuer - today marked the first time that Daniel Ricciardo sported the French manufacturer's name as a fully-fledged works driver.
Having made his shock decision last summer to leave Red Bull for the French manufacturer, the big question is did he make the right move?
Is Renault on the cusp of another significant step forward as it enters its fourth season since its return to the sport as a constructor, or will the issues that have hampered the French manufacturer's power units since the introduction of the hybrid formula in 2014 continue?
While the team is seeking a major improvement to both its car and engine this year, with virtually nothing being carried over from the 2018 car, the French outfit will be under intense pressure from Haas, Racing Point and Alfa Romeo as it seeks to escape the midfield and close the gap on Mercedes, Ferrari and Ricciardo's old team, Red Bull.
Though Messrs Marko, Horner and Verstappen insist that in switching to Honda Red Bull has got it right, and Ricciardo has made a disastrous career move in leaving for Renault, it is clear that the Australian's grin is as broad as ever and possibly his confidence.
Perhaps he knows something we don't.