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Former Grand Prix driver Jolyon Palmer has described Daniel Ricciardo's decision to jump ship at Red Bull and join Renault a "backwards move". The Australian shocked the motorsport community on Friday when it was announced that he would be leaving the energy drink team after five years.
Confirmation of his move to Renault soon followed, but Palmer, who entered 37 Grand Prix with the Enstone team, believes that there's no denying that Renault is behind Red Bull despite making improvements towards the front of the grid since its return in 2016.
"To be honest, it's a backwards move for Ricciardo," Palmer told BBC Radio 5 Live. "They're a team that's on the up but they are currently behind, there's no two ways about it."
However, the 27-year-old admits that he can understand Ricciardo's thinking, as he believes he doesn't want to slip into a second fiddle role to current teammate Verstappen: "At Red Bull, I felt - and he probably felt - that he was just starting to slide into Verstappen's shadow. And that's a dangerous place to be.
"He's come into a team that will be really excited to have him. They'll be really pinning a lot of hopes on him to move forwards. It's a little bit of the whole dynamic within the team which is better for him at Renault," he added. "Even if they're technically a little bit behind."
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Replies (12)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 7,885
I'd agree that on many levels its a mistake going to Renault. Works team or not, I dont trust them being able to take on Ferrari or Mercedes, or even Red Bull, next year. And then we have HAAS, which wont make it easy for them this year, and the two Merc' teams, which Im sure will recuperate (assuming Force India survives the season). And then we have the fact that everyone seem to think he is coming into Renault as the first driver, while Im not sure the Hülk completely agree with that sentiment. Im not sure they will be all that friendly with each other at the end of 2019.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,195
Joylon the expert. I'm sure he knows for his vast a successful experience in F1. I look forward to more comments from Daniel about this, but surely he sees a better opportunity to be champion at Renault than at RB. Shocking, I know. Also a knock on your beloved Honda. But I think think Renault must have shown him something pretty promising, or the gave him stupid money that RB wasn't willing to pay.
calle.itw
Posts: 7,885
Indeed, but he know more about Renault and the climate within than any of us here. And looks can be deceiving. Many thought Alonso's return to McLiaren signaled a new era of McHonda vs Merc vs Ferrari vs RB, and look at where judging by looks lead us to. Madness. Madness and stupidity. I fully understand why the prospect of RB being powered by Honda might not look sound at a first look, I like them but Im fully aware that they are still behind, but I dont know if thats how it will remains. As usual, time will tell.
Olfacius
Posts: 30
Yeah, it is interesting. Bolton is hardly a seriously experienced commentator in my opinion. I'm excited about the possibilities (Insert optimistic potential here.) It'd be great if he's pulling a 'Hamilton' rather than an 'Alonso.'. Only time will tell. What a move!
Olfacius
Posts: 30
*Jolyon. BlackBerry auto correct...
FatMike
Posts: 153
To put Ricciardo's choice in the shadow....did you just say Blackberry:o
f1dave
Posts: 729
"Former" Grand Prix driver Jolyon Palmer says it all. Looks more like a Villeneuve comment to me.
calle.itw
Posts: 7,885
Nah, its nowhere near acidic enough to be a Villaineuve comment. My bones are still uncorroded.
blade
Posts: 341
@CALLE.ITW - I think DRs win and podium performances put him as a clear number 1 and I would expect he believes he rightly fits a number one driver position, and so he should. Hulk I agree is a top driver who is having another good year, but DR I think is next level - many view him as the best overtaker and that little but of extra aggression and race craft will do wonders for Renault - as Alonso consistently shows what can be done for MCL. I don't agree it is a mistake, I do agree it is a backward step in terms of past performance, but its all about positioning for the future, look at HAM when he was roundly questioned on his decision to go to MERC - Im sort of hoping that story unfolds again. Renault are big league spenders and I suspect will pump even more into their effort now they have this marquee signing. Let's see !
boudy
Posts: 1,166
Not so sure about that. Lets see how good he is against the hulk. But DR had something in his contract about mechanics being switched. That 2nd Renault has had a lot of retirement over the last couple of years.
calle.itw
Posts: 7,885
The podiums were possible because he was in a top team though. Had he been in Renault, Im sure he wouldnt have been able to do the same. My point however is that while we and maybe even Renault think he might get in a be first driver, Hulk wont accept it. He is just as dominant as the top 2 divas. If he want that position, Ric will have to fight for it.
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
I would like to hear his opinion on his Renault PU everytime it let s him down for the rest of this season :)