Prost says Ricciardo understands he will not become World Champion at Renault

Few had seen that Daniel Ricciardo would make the switch from Red Bull to Renault. It even surprised Renault themselves. Team adviser Alain Prost admits this and confirms that Ricciardo knows he won't become World Champion immediately.

The Australian's move will make or break his career. It raised eyebrows across the globe as he currently sits in a car whose engine troubles hamper the team. Those engine troubles file down to Renault.

Prost speaks on the F1 site about how the deal surprised the team. In 2019 they're not set to be competitive, and he confirms Ricciardo is well aware of this.

"The fact that Ricciardo accepted our proposal surprised us, we had an honest and open conversation with him, [he] knows that he will not become a world champion next year," Prost states.

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Renault are in the middle of a major development program. Since their return to the sport, it seems to be progressing well. Prost believes the next jigsaw to the puzzle will be Ricciardo who brings top quality talent.

"Thanks to him, we are getting better. First, his arrival ensures healthy and positive pressure on the team. Moreover, he can perfectly indicate the differences between Red Bull and our way of working. That will stimulate us," Prost added.

"As a former driver, I know that you see the differences between a top team and an average team, and it is precisely on those differences that you arrive at the top, and we will do everything we can to get there, which Ricciardo is a key factor."