Relieved that the wait is over, Daniel Ricciardo is now getting himself mentally prepared for the challenge of racing for Red Bull next year.
After weeks of rumours, Red Bull signed Ricciardo from Toro Rosso to a multi-year deal on Monday. He will replace fellow Australian Mark Webber, who will retire from F1 at the end of the season to race sports cars for Porsche.
The 24-year-old Ricciardo had been the favourite to fill the Red Bull seat since the Hungarian Grand Prix at the end of July and the decision was expected to be announced at the Belgian GP two weeks ago. It was then put back amid growing talk that Kimi Raikkonen or even Fernando Alonso would replace Webber.
“I think it’s a bit of relief now there’s no more speculation and dodging questions … I found out few days before the announcement but I still didn’t know at Spa, so no lies were told,” Ricciardo said on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Italian GP.
“I’ve got eight more races this year so looking forward to giving Toro Rosso a nice farewell.”
Ricciardo has a best result of seventh place this season, at the Chinese GP in April, and four top-10 finishes.
But he will be expected to do much better alongside three-time defending champion Sebastian Vettel and score big points in a faster car.
“I’m pretty fortunate to have spent some time with Red Bull racing as a reserve driver,” Ricciardo said.
“By December hopefully I’ll already have a good relationship with the guys and see how they work. But I’ve got a head start.”
The 37-year-old Webber has had a difficult relationship with Vettel over the years but expects Ricciardo to settle in.
“It’s a perfect scenario for team, fits very well. He knows how to handle himself so he’ll be OK,” Webber said.
“It’s rare we have Australians (in Formula One) but for us to be handing the baton over in a very successful team is good.”