It has not been an easy year at Renault, but Daniel Ricciardo nevertheless says this season has “emphasised his love” for Formula 1.
The Australian seven-time winner left Red Bull to join Renault on a two-year contract for 2019 and 2020 worth more than $50m (£40.2m), and his new team started the season with the ambition of closing on the top three teams.
Instead, Renault have slipped backwards. But Ricciardo says he “still feels good” about the decision, has no regrets, and that he would like to continue with the team if they can show sufficient improvements next season.
“Do I want to stay? Yes, because ideally we do get this to the next level,” Ricciardo tells BBC Sport in an exclusive interview.
“It was my massive intention to come here. My intention wasn’t to have a two-year layover somewhere else.