Daniel Ricciardo’s goal for 2020 is “champagne!”

Daniel Ricciardo has said that his goal for the 2020 season is to achieve “champagne” by finishing on the podium at least once for Renault as part of their plan to compete harder with Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.

Ricciardo made the surprise decision in 2018 to leave Red Bull’s race winning capable car for Renault, who had only returned to the sport as a works team back in 2016.
 
The French team had set out a plan upon their return to be back at the front of the grid contending for race wins and title in five years, having made progress up to finish fourth in the constructors championship last year.
 
But are behind McLaren in fifth this year after a difficult season in performance with the Australian learning a lot from it.
 
“Looking towards what we’re really trying to achieve next year it looks better,” said Ricciardo.
 
“I’ll start to expect more. Not only from myself but also from the team come 2020 but I think we’ve learned a lot. Personally I have.
 
“Result’s haven’t been what we wanted but I don’t see it as being a year to forget or anything like that. Far from it.”
 
As for the goal for 2020 the Australian has his sights on podium finishes and closing the gap to the top three, believing that it can be done with a strong off season in developing their package.
 
“Champagne!” he said when asked of his goal.
 
“When I signed for the team 2020 was the target to finish on the podium at least once.
 
“We’re still a little bit away from that. McLaren’s proof that you can really make a big difference in one season.
 
“So I think with a strong off season its not impossible for us to have a chance to fight for that next year.
 
“Ultimately whether it is champagne or not we want to get closer to the top three and actually be in the fight with those teams next year.”