F1 News
Ricciardo: Hulkenberg "still has time in the sport and his ability is still there"
Daniel Ricciardo left Aston Martin Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2018 season. In Formula 1, it was the first time he was outside of the Red Bull Racing system having previously driven for Toro Rosso. The Australian says he was made to feel welcome by Nico Hulkenberg who will be leaving Renault at the end of the season.
"It's been pretty fun, it has been easy going, he's [Hulkenberg] been easy to work with and he does what he has to do. I believe coming into the season we both had respect for each other and we didn't need to do anything weird. It made the transition coming into this team quite easy," Ricciardo told Formula 1.
"Pre-season we had a bit of a laugh, after races we might see each other and have a few drinks. He's cool, he still has time in the sport and his ability is still there to do it. I don't fear for him if he doesn't come back to F1 he's a pretty switched on kid so if he goes to do other things he'll be okay."
Esteban Ocon will be the man replacing Hulkenberg after the 2019 season. The Frenchman spent the entire 2019 season sitting in the Mercedes garage after a seat wasn't left available for him. In pre-season, it'll be Ricciardo's turn to welcome a teammate to Renault.
"I'm easy going. With Seb there was respect with Max there was respect as well so if there's respect that's the main thing to keep everything together. It's the moment when you don't respect your opponent, but with Ocon, there's no concerns or fears," Ricciardo added.