Ricciardo thinks he is ready to lead Red Bull F1 in 2015

After Sebastian Vettel’s departure to Ferrari, Daniel Ricciardo becomes the number 1 driver for the Austrian team. He feels ready to lead the team to the top. For the 2015 season, his teammate is the young Daniil Kvyat.

Daniel Ricciardo, when asked if he feels ready to become the number 1 driver for the Red Bull team, responds:

« Yes, I think so. I will always continue to learn and grow with the team. I integrated very well this year, I was able to establish working relationships and I expect that to continue. Obviously, they will rely a bit more on my feedback. I am certain it will take Daniil the winter to get going, to get grounded, so they will rely a bit more on me at the start of the season, but I’m sure I’ll be the right person to handle that, he told Autosport.

For his first season at Red Bull, Daniel Ricciardo won 3 races and finished in 3rd place in the 2014 Drivers’ Championship. For the 2015 season, the former teammate of Sebastian Vettel plans to maintain the same approach he has, despite the pressure he will face this season as he will be viewed as a favorite, but remains cautious about Daniil Kvyat.

« It has been a good year and the results have shown it. I need to keep the same attitude at the wheel but also with the engineers. I will try to continue with this same dynamic. I will try to get the upper hand on Daniil Kvyat even though I will not take him lightly » he continues.

For the upcoming winter tests, Daniel Ricciardo hopes that the French engine manufacturer Renault will make improvements to compete with Mercedes. This is a good thing, as the French brand will be focusing on the Austrian team for the 2015 season.

I’m very confident for next year, I’m expecting to do something better. Mercedes is not going to stand still, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the improvements will allow us to close the gap with them, he concluded.