Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo believes Lewis Hamilton will not win the title with ease even though he is firm favourite for a fourth championship.
After very difficult 2015. when they finished fourth in the standings, Red Bull was back to their 2014. form, thanks to significantly improved the Renault power unit as they finished second in the constructors’ championship behind the untouchable Mercedes and Ricciardo finished as the closest challenger to Hamilton and Rosberg, just like in 2014.
Although Rosberg’s withdrawal opened up the seat in the winning Mercedes, Ricciardo believes he is in the right place before the start of the new Formula 1 season and believes the Red Bull 2017 can make life difficult for the title favourite Lewis Hamilton.
“Mercedes seat was tempting for sure, to have a feeling how that car works, but 2017. is a new year and I hope that our car will be the championship one,” Said the Australian.
“Bottas now has a great opportunity, we will see how it goes. For me, I’m best where I am, at Red Bull.”
“I think we can challenge, yes. If we make progress similar to last year, he won’t have anything easy, believe me.”
Ricciardo also praised the Red Bull driver line-up which he believes is the best in Formula 1.
“I think so, I’m not sure which is the second best but I don’t really care, ha ha,” he said.
“Last year was encouraging for the whole team, we are once again fighting for victory, podiums and pole positions. It was a great step closer to where we want to return to.”
“And from what I hear about a new car, I would definitely risk a bet in our favour.”
