Ricciardo: I expected to be an F1 world champion by now

Daniel Ricciardo says he expected to be at least a one-time Formula 1 world champion by now but does not regret the way his career has panned out.

Ricciardo finished third and beat four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel in his first season with Red Bull in 2014, and claimed third spot in the championship once more in 2016.

But despite amassing seven grand prix victories while at Red Bull, the Australian was unable to mount a sustained title challenge, before deciding to make a sensational switch to Renault for 2019.

In an exclusive interview with Formula 1 heading into his 10th season, the Renault driver admitted he expected to follow up a stellar 2014 campaign with Red Bull with at least one world title triumph.

“After my year in 2014, if I then look at 2020, I would have expected a world title or three,” Ricciardo said.

“So from 2014 onwards I’m certainly not surprised, If anything I’m probably a little bit underwhelmed.

“But from 2011 to now to have the impact I’ve had on the sport and where I’ve put myself, for sure I’m happy and proud. But I’m certainly not there yet and not done.

“I’m pretty happy with the way I’ve gone about it,” he added. “I don’t really look back and say ‘argh, I should have done that deal then and I shouldn’t have been this or that’, I’m pretty happy.

“If my career ended today, am I disappointed I don’t have a world title? Yes. But could have I actually done anything to change that over that 10 years? Probably not.

“But I’m not done, so we’re good.”

Ricciardo is aiming to help Renault improve on its fifth-placed finish in the 2019 constructors’ standings as the French manufacturer continues its bid to return to winning ways.