Ricciardo: Following 2019 F1 cars feels better

Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo’s believes Formula 1 has made progress in making cars easier to follow with its 2019 regulation changes, though he is keen not to “get too excited”. 

In a push to improve the quality of wheel-to-wheel racing, F1 has introduced a revised set of aerodynamic regulations for the upcoming season, most notably including simpler front and rear wing designs.

Drivers got their first taste of the new rules during the opening pre-season test in Barcelona, and Ricciardo was left feeling optimistic from his early impressions. 

“It actually seemed all right,” Ricciardo said. “But at the time I was lapping quite a bit quicker so I assume they had more fuel. 

“Maybe that is why it was easy for me to follow. But if that was a like for like it felt better. But I don’t want to get too excited. 

“We are still going to feel it. But I would like to think that was a sign that we will feel a bit less.”

However, Ricciardo’s former teammate Max Verstappen said he does not believe the new rules will “do a lot” in the bid to ease following and promote overtaking, though he wants to reserve judgement until the Australian Grand Prix.

Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton echoed Verstappen’s comments, adding he noticed little difference compared to last year but conceded he had not followed too many drivers at close quarters.

“I’ve been behind one car out there and it seemed fine and it didn’t seem any different to last year in that respect,” Hamilton explained. 

“I’m hopeful it will be better for more close combat racing, but again I have not really been out behind many cars.”