Motorsport Australia ambassador Daniel Ricciardo believes he is on track for his first Formula 1 podium with Renault following a string of impressive performances over the past few months.

 

After making the move to the French outfit ahead of the 2019 season, it was a difficult first year for the West Australian where he finished ninth in the championship, his lowest placing since 2013.

 

However things have taken a turn for the better in 2020, with Ricciardo hitting his straps and producing some of the best performances of recent times.

 

Yet no matter how much he and the team have improved this year, that maiden podium for the team has remained just out of reach.

 

Speaking with Greg Rust for Motorsport Australia, Ricciardo revealed how happy he was with his current form and how a long awaited podium could be imminent.

 

“For us, this year has been awesome. It’s what we really expected by year two and now it’s coming through nicely,” Ricciardo told Motorsport Australia. 

 

“Racing up the front is cool. I have even run third a few times. I am getting excited and people question why I’m getting excited with third if I have won races.

 

“It’s good to be back up there and it feels right. It doesn’t feel foreign. I feel comfortable. I know it’s been a while, but it feels natural.

 

“We have come close (to a podium) and I really believe if I keep going at this level, and I know the team is doing their part, but if I remain consistent and driving at the level I know I am at the moment, then I do believe we will get the opportunity and if I am there to take it, I will.

 

“If I am doing what I am doing now, I will put myself in a position to try and take it (a podium) out. just need to keep it up.”

 

In the 10 races so far, the 31-year-old has finished inside the points on seven occasions and in the top-five four times – three of which were well deserved fourth places.

 

To put it in perspective, at the same time last year, Ricciardo had finished inside the top 10 just four times with his highest result being sixth, whereas this year, he has bettered that multiple times and is now just two points shy of future McLaren teammate Lando Norris in fourth place on the Drivers’ Standings.

  

Ricciardo and the rest of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship are in action this weekend with the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring in Germany on 11 October.

 

Watch the full Zoom Chat below.