Hakkinen: "It's a shame to see him in a place where he can't win"
F1 News
Two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen believes it's a shame to see Daniel Ricciardo driving a car that can't win an F1 race unless a miracle happens. The Australian has just completed his first season at Renault after moving from Aston Martin Red Bull Racing last winter.
Ricciardo failed to finish on the podium but did take a P4 in a rather impressive performance from Renault in Italy. Flashback 12 months and he was reviewing a season in which he won the Monaco Grand Prix. Hakkinen is a former driver who rates Ricciardo's talents, and he believes it's a shame to see him where he is.
"I think it's a shame to see him (Ricciardo) in a place where he can't win. If you come from a winning position and you start in a team that loses, that is frustrating. Ricciardo is a very positive boy but you have to avoid doubting yourself. That nothing is wrong with his qualities but that it is wrong with the car," Hakkinen said in the Unibet podcast.
Renault slipped back in the constructors' championship. Last year they finished fourth but a revived McLaren team managed to jump over them in the standings.