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So far, not so good.
It's been a forgettable Formula One season for Australia's Daniel Ricciardo, but there's some good news for the Australian motor ace — time is on his side when it comes to being at the peak of his F1 powers.
"I think the perfect age is 24 to 34 and after that it gets a little bit harder," former Australian driver Mark Webber told the ABC.
Ricciardo, who turned 30 at the start of July, hasn't had a lot to celebrate in 2019.
Since he made the move from Red Bull to Renault the start of this season, his best result has been sixth place at last month's Canadian Grand Prix — and he was lapped in that race.
This time last season, the affable West Australian had already secured two Grand Prix wins with Red Bull Racing.
While few doubt his skills, Webber said Ricciardo's "huge, huge call" to change teams could impact his credibility.
"He's now in a position where the results aren't what they used to be for him," he said.
"He's world-class, we know that. He's very, very, very good and he hasn't forgotten how to perform at the highest level.
"But it's hard to show your credibility when you're in sub-par machinery."
Contracted to Renault for two years, it appears unlikely Ricciardo will add to his seven career wins anytime soon.
Even a podium finish — and Ricciardo's obligatory celebratory shoey — seem a long way off having been lapped in four of the six races he's finished this season.
He currently sits 10th in the 2019 driver standings.
Ricciardo's recent F1 record
| Grand Prix | 2018 Red Bull | 2019 Renault |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 4th | DNF |
| Bahrain | DNF | DNF |
| China | 1st | 7th |
| Azerbaijan | DNF | DNF |
| Spain | 5th | 12th |
| Monaco | 1st | 9th |
| Canada | 4th | 6th |
| France | 4th | 11th |
| Austria | DNF | 12th |
When it comes to longevity, race results — or the lack of — have consequences.
Ricciardo's deficiency is not his ability, it's his machinery.
"There's nothing better for your business, your CV and your brand than to be spraying champagne as often as possible," Webber said.
"When you're not at the front, or getting lapped, it just becomes harder to showcase what you're able to do.
"And he knows he wants to change that as soon as possible and I think it will happen."
The rise of the young guns
Ricciardo's course to F1 driver was a familiar one taken by many on the professional circuit.
He started in a go-kart at age nine and then made the natural progression to Formula racing which included a stint as a teenager in Formula Three in 2008. His Formula One debut came at the British Grand Prix in 2011.
For today's driver, however, the pathway to the elite level has changed dramatically — especially over the last decade.
"There are less consequences these days," Webber said.
"The sport has never been safer and [emerging drivers] have got so many offline tools to assist in that learning process.
"They have a chance of improving their trade in a lot better ways than we did because we didn't have the tools."
With the current driver's average age at approximately 27, Ricciardo is now among the veterans in the 20-man field.
The new kids on the grid — Max Verstappen (21), Charles Leclerc (21) and Pierre Gasly (23) — are just three of the fast-emerging young stars of the sport.
Webber said it'd be premature to discount Ricciardo, whose vast skills and natural talent could see him re-emerge as a legitimate force on the GP circuit.
"He is the main man there at Renault, and he will be the main man there at Renault, but you have to make sure you're the main man when the team is performing. And that's what his move is all about," he said.
"The key pivot point for him is the rule changes in 2021 … where all the teams have new regulations.
"That's a new chessboard for everyone; that is the opening he will need."
The proposed 2021 restructure will aim to create a more even playing field for all manufacturers and their drivers, involve engine modifications as well as implement a fairer distribution of revenue among the teams.
Calm, calculating and clever
No doubt, the ability to go fast — very fast — is a prerequisite for any would-be motor racing driver. But to make it in F1, you have to be an all-rounder.
From diet to discipline, personality to peak physical condition, it all counts.
"For myself and my teammate, we had 900 people prepare our two cars," explained Webber.
"You have to be engaging, tough, but enjoyable to work with and when it counts … you've got to get that work done.
"It's a huge team sport but it does come down to you."
Webber, who claimed nine victories from 203 starts in his 11 years as an F1 driver (2002-2013), retired from the top tier, aged 37. He too started in a go-kart when he was 13.
"It's a long time and a long career," he said.
"When you are dealing with guys 10 to 15 years younger than you, it gets quite challenging."
So just how long can Ricciardo compete at the elite level given he's been in the racing game for more than 20 years?
"Daniel's definitely in the middle of his career but it's up to him how long [he continues] and only he will know that," Webber said.
"You've got to have an honest reflection, look back at yourself and say are you what you were — that's how I looked at it.
"We know what we sign up for — it's a sport that should be dangerous, it's a sport that should have plenty of risks involved — otherwise you stay at home."
Topics: formula-1, motor-sports, sport, australia, united-kingdom
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