Renault Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo says his decision to switch to McLaren for the 2021 season “wasn’t easy”, considering he’s yet to even turn a wheel competitively this year.
With the current season delayed due to the coronavirus and a shock decision by Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari to parts ways, it forced an early start to the annual ‘silly season’, which was made more bizarre given the fact it has all happened before the first race of 2020, well in advance of the actual moves.
Ricciardo will take up Carlos Sainz’s seat at McLaren after the Spaniard agreed a deal to join Ferrari.
The Australian says having to make such a decision without getting to properly experience the new Renault car was “not easy”, but just adds to the weirdness that is 2020.
“The whole year has been crazy for things even beyond coronavirus now,” he said on social media.
“Making these decisions with only testing to go by this year, that wasn’t easy. Ideally you’d like to get going, race and make your mind up but we’re not in those times with that luxury.
“It it was not easy, not an overnight decision. I guess I would just say this whole year has been weird and continues to be weird.”
However Ricciardo is relieved the season will finally get underway next month with a double header Austrian Grand Prix.
“That’s the big relief for everyone, when they announced the official start date. It was like ‘we can see the end of the tunnel’ and we can get going,” he added.
“I want to finish this journey and chapter with Renault off in the best way possible. I still feel like I owe a lot to them on and off track, so I’m glad we can compete soon and do what I can.”
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