Daniel Ricciardo will be missed at Renault after he moves to McLaren, admits executive director Marcin Budkowski

Daniel Ricciardo’s jolly, engaging character will be missed at Renault, admits executive director Marcin Budkowski.

Daniel Ricciardo is hands down the most entertaining racer in the F1 paddock. This will remain the case for quite some time after he confirmed the move to McLaren from Renault after this season. Ricciardo is also one of the most talented drivers of this century to have not won the world title, alongside Rubens Barichello and Felipe Massa.

So, when asked if Renault will miss the Australian, executive director Marcin Budkowski paid a tribute to him. He spoke about the ‘combination’ Ricciardo is, on and off the tarmac. Daniel Ricciardo has picked up his form drastically over the last few races as he targets a top 5 finish.

“He’s at the top of his form, he’s driving exceptionally well and that shows in the team results but also in his personal results so of course, we will miss him.”

“But we will also miss the character. He’s a smiley, engaging character and it is a pleasure to work with him. Daniel walks in the room and suddenly the mood in the room picks up because his smile and his enthusiasm is infectious.”

Also read: “You have to keep believing in it”- Daniel Ricciardo still adamant to be the World Champion.

Renault better than last season: Marcin Budkowski

Budkowski also reviewed his team’s performance so far this season, calling it an improvement. A lot of improvements have been done to the car, along with upgrades. This has helped Renault to firmly stay in the fight for a Top 3 finish.

“I think the car is clearly a better car than we had last year. We addressed some of the major weaknesses we had on last year’s car. We’ve made good progress during the season, we’ve made good upgrades and that’s obviously pushed us forward in the pecking order. But we’ve also understood the car better, and I wouldn’t call it a breakthrough, but it was progressive learning and understanding of the car.”

Also read: Can McLaren beat Racing Point, Ferrari and Renault to finish third in the F1 2020 Constructors’ Championship?

“We’re in such a tight group, the differences are so small in the midfield cars that by being in the front of the group, you’re taking the opportunities such as podiums, as we’ve seen.”