Did Renault get $50million of value out of Ricciardo in F1?

[@MasakoX]

I think it was enough to convince Renault to stay in F1; if he hadn't arrived, even Alpine wouldn't be a thing.

[@gigi-bl5yu]

OMG GOKU IS HERE

[@postmortemspasm]

So you're saying he lost them money? haha

[@theopoint1911]

Alpine is just a proof that group renault is aiming more at racing (ie WEC) so ye, you're wrong

[@killianweisedesbois]

Didn't know you were an F1 fan, Masako

[@kekehilo1169]

That just isn’t true

[@al3030]

It was worth it for Cyril to stick it to Horner.

[@gsreads]

Exactly, there's more personal motivation between the two teams. And to be honest, Honda hasn't done that well either, except get back Torro Rosso in the points? But I'd think it's not entirely on engine. Personally, I feel honda engine is over-rated by RBR just to spite Renault. And Honda is leaving F1 now. In the last 2 seasons, yes RBR was hurt most by losing Danny.

[@mrlizarb6]

@@gsreads yes, but toro rosso have always been in the points regulary since 2013 and even the 2019 season they had wasnt as legendary as you may think so ye ur right honda havent really done a great job

[@varunsambi2004]

Yeah. The redbull is in a rut after Daniel left. 2019 they lost p2 to Ferrari. 2020 their second driver was hilarious out driven by even their b team.

[@pookachu64]

@@gsreads totally, Horner is so transparent when he’s being spiteful/lying

[@Buizerd88]

@@gsreads Maybe in the 2019 season they missed out on the 2nd driver. but in 2020 it wouldnt have mattered if Ricciardo was there or not. Verstappen got 2nd in construct championship alone. and there was no way they could get #1, even with Ric.

[@tokinGLX]

that world class smile pays for itself. danny ric is a treasure of f1.

[@SniperPrecision]

I hope we have more drivers with his level of sportsmanship and accountability.

[@sirmounted8499]

​@@SniperPrecision Nobody can replace Ricciardo, but I agree one can only hope, maybe Mick Schumacher? Seems he might have the sportsmanship and accountability in check but he definitely lacks the smile.

[@TheRealBeatMaster]

F1 are gonna lose something very very special the day he retires

[@deeacosta2734]

LLDR: Ladies. Love. Danny. Ric.

[@emartinezr]

Worth 50 million??

[@eshaan8629]

Ricciardo was worth every penny for the meme economy

[@bjones5240]

Daniel Avocado*

[@gidikalchhauser]

*memeconomy

[@coralazevedo-grout1118]

extremely worth it

[@donoldduckben]

I was just about to say that

[@chrismdb5686]

@Mo Elm Danny Ric was better than Verstappen at Red Bull tho?

[@glowtail3744]

The midfield were stupidly competitive last year and the year before year

[@abdielabraar910]

Midfielder are rich enough to get highly rated drivers now

[@TommiMakkinen]

which makes what Renault achieved in 2020 with DannyRic all the more worthwhile for them. i'd say they got their money's worth from Danny... and then some.

[@davidk7254]

The midfield would not have been as exciting if they weren't competing for podiums. Thanks, Ferrari :)

[@teeffw2776]

If Mercedes wasn't there you could make a case for last year being the most objectively competitive season in the last 30 years. Same deal with 2019, probably.

[@theread3480]

@@teeffw2776 Red Bull would have just taken Mercedes place

[@gunnergav]

Judging by how the second Redbull drivers have been since Daniel left, I'd say Renault had their monies worth.

[@sayuri_wrxsti]

Redbull cars are getting better. beside the drivers.their cars are catching to mercedes level of R N D. Slowly. If max and Lewis was on the same team.there might be another series just like battle between the two silver arrow. The new one all black edition documentary lol

[@RainCity3rd]

Why would Renault care if they held back RB slightly? They have to worry about themselves considering they did not show enough to keep Daniel. Bringing RB down does nothing to bring up Renault, that would be a terrible way to run a team unless they were a direct competitor. Now Mclaren certainly hurt Renault though being direct competitors...

[@2011blueman]

@@sayuri_wrxsti It actually looks like for 2021 Redbull's cars are faster than Mercedes.

[@sayuri_wrxsti]

@@2011blueman oh man I'm so outdated in 2021 already haha 😄 haven't watch one highlights or 7mins race video yet. Your probably right :) it's about time merc has a real competition

[@2011blueman]

@@sayuri_wrxsti I'm assuming you're trying for sarcasm, but even Mercedes has said they think Redbull's cars are faster this year. The thing about F1 is the driver still matters a lot. Hamilton won in Bahrain, and showed why he's paid so much, but it was an amazing race.

[@realamerican5016]

I want him to win a world championship so bad. He's such a nice guy and is always laughing which makes it impossible to not like him.

[@Adrian-fo4kv]

One of the fastest drivers on the grid as well. Probably the best driver to not win a championship (yet?)

[@sudhanshumali3323]

With mercedes in F1 I don't think so...not only for him but all others too

[@S1L3NTK1LL3R51]

We can’t forget pubegate

[@Bdavk]

Take away Mercedes and he has won a championship.

[@michaelsullivan3581]

@@Bdavk Maybe two!

[@TheSharpoint1]

Honestly, the "Alright I'll drive faster" is the biggest testament to just how great an attitude he has

[@lolboicam1711]

Lol, why didn't he drive faster from the get-go if he had the pace then.

[@TheSharpoint1]

@@lolboicam1711 This is in reference to the 5 second penalty he got after that bullshit sing;e track limits violation in Sochi

[@joshgee8714]

@@lolboicam1711 Variables... Tires,fuel load, position on track, following cars....It's called race craft.

[@swolabear]

@Lolboi Cam Yeah why not just send it 110% into each corner of a 2 hour race and see how that goes. Got no idea about racing 😶

[@danguee1]

@@valerierodger7700 I think you're being dense: Danny said "ALRIGHT I'LL DRIVE FASTER". Which bit of that don't you get: ie I'm not going flat out at present......

[@jaddytheteenblogger]

Considering how competitive the midfield has been and how much screen time they had, yes.

[@user-ot4wm2fh8g]

But Renault still ‘lost’ that midfield battle this year. Both McLaren and Racing Point beat them so technically, as good as Ricciardo was last year, it didn’t really impact their constructors fight.

[@whassupg89]

I think Ricciardo showed the true level of hulk and Ocon

[@299.1]

And an out of form Hulk showed the true level of an inform Stroll....

[@juanmanuelcorrea7673]

@@299.1 an inform Stroll gets a podium, and strong races. An inform Hülkenberg gets 0 podiums, and one pole in 10 years, especially in a car that got Perez a good amount of podiums. So ....

[@MA-xz4ki]

@@299.1 inform stroll was best of the rest

[@BroeselBaguette]

@@juanmanuelcorrea7673 I mean Hulkenberg was faster than Stroll in Silverstone and as fast as Perez on the Nurburgring once he has driven a few laps. Hulkenberg may not have gained a lucky podium, like Stroll in this season, in his career but neither was he destroyed by Perez in his so called best season

[@VenomousCompany]

@@299.1 Honestly I don't get the hate on Stroll. Sure he isn't as good as Perez but Stroll is still a great driver.

[@ianhowlett4682]

You forgot to include the direct revenues that Renault will receive as a result of finishing higher in the constructors championship than it would have done if it had two drivers scoring the same points as Ocon.

[@juliantaffa4089]

Yes, and that's a big point to make. Millions and millions in extra prize income. It's unbelievable how Ricciardo managed to get 5th in the Drivers' Championship despite not having a Top 4 car (ie. Top 4 in Constructors' Championship). This is the first time that has happened in the 21st Century, amazing.

[@egonurquhart-gagne239]

Exactly what I came here to say, I thought that would have been the central theme of this video. Still good though, Danny Ric was definitely worth it.

[@jonwetherell5214]

50m must have got them a lot more press and internet exposure than a 20m package.. The video we are watching proves that..

[@hkr667]

It's insane how much people had to say about his salary. And to be honest I dislike this video. Ricciardo was worth any amount that Renault put in the contract, period. If they wanted a certain performance out of him, they would have paid him per result. Looking back at his results vs. his salary is pointless, we don't do that with other drivers either. Though some guy on reddit did do it I think. Spoiler alert, most well regarded drivers do not score as well as you'd think.

[@RainCity3rd]

@@hkr667 that is crazy of course we are going to compare drivers pay especially when its a big jump. It takes nothing away from Danny for getting paid well, great for him. We are always going to wonder about pay and performance we do that in ALL sports. was that Quarterback or whatever trade worth it. Lots of examples of big contracts where a team pays too much for crappy performance and similarly lots of examples where teams make great decisions to take a chance on a low paid player who hits about their salary weight. Often only to leave for a ton of money to a new team and not deliver. Hell even at work there are people that are paid far too much and those paid far to little. You seem to be under the impression that its either none of our business or that whatever anyone is paid is by definition correct.

[@RainCity3rd]

@@hkr667 just a point that i could even get behind the idea that is non of our business except then all salary would just be hidden and not public which well why would teams even bother.

[@hkr667]

@@RainCity3rd My point is that we can have opinions and speculate all we want about what we think he was worth, that's fine. But to actually try to decide if he was worth the 50 mil to Renault is completely pointless. First, we have no idea what they paid that salary for. There are many ways a driver can earn their pay, but we weren't part of the negotiation contract. Second, a 50 mil contract doesn't get offered on a gut feeling, so yes, if they offer the contract he is worth that amount. Remember, the title of this video isn't "Do we think he earned the 50 mil", no the name is "Did Renault get 50 mil of value out of him". That is a pointless video to make. This channel can and will never answer that question.

[@RainCity3rd]

@@hkr667 What? Exactly that the the point of the video to look at how one may see he was or was not worth it. Of course we only have opinions that's the point of discussing it. If it was not only opinions it would be some exact math and there would be no debate just a mathematical proof of he was or was not. We don't have a video debating if Mercedes won the manufacturers championship or Hamilton won the drivers, these are facts. By your point there would be no point in talking about basically anything...

[@kmg1100]

I think Ricciardo is also great for car development. RB have been struggling since he left.

[@KomboAndy]

the work atmosphere in the team probably wasn't the best from the begin with...

[@squeakybunny2776]

rbr were runner up when daniel was there and they are still...they havent moved forwards or backwards relative to mercedes.

[@nypyro]

@@squeakybunny2776 still second with only MV able to drive the car. A driver like DR brought an experienced voice to the development side something that PG and AA couldn't do or their feedback wasn't acknowledged in preference to MV.

[@anzacxlag2606]

@@squeakybunny2776 RB were closer to Mercedes in 2018 than 2019 and 2020. They had 4 wins in 2018 compared to 2 in 2020. Max scored less points even though he has developed as a driver. RB had less Pole positions. RB had less fastest laps By every metric other than the constructors, RB have lost ground to Mercedes.

[@squeakybunny2776]

@@anzacxlag2606 We were talking about the car development. A number of your stats are either wrong or irrelevant. The fact we are discussing car development means we somehow have to factor out driver input. So looking at 2018 with Daniel and Max and to compare that with Max with PG/AA is not fair. A fairer (not perfect) but fairer comparison is to look what max' results were. Lets list some of the stats you mentioned: Wins by Max: 2018: 2 2019: 3 2020: 2 Fastest laps by Max: 2018: 0 2019: 3 2020: 3 Pole positions by Max: 2018: 0 2019: 2 2020: 1 Points by max: 2018: 249 2019: 278 2020: 214 and now the big factor that you failed to take into account: Races per season: 2018: 21 2019: 21 2020: 17 Races Max finished: 2018: 17 2019: 19 2020: 12 Not only were there a significant fewer number of races in 2020, the season was cropped into a much smaller period. Everybody knows red Bull starts to do better in the second half of the season. whether that is because red bull development goes faster or because merc stops developing doesnt matter in this case. Thing is that that turning point happened further towards the end of this season. So i would argue that red bull didnt suffer in theri development when Daniel left. Im sure they would want a better 2nd driver, even more so when they have a championship worthy car, but in the past 2 years it didnt make a difference.

[@Mahoyage]

Ricciardo made renault cool again so yes money well spent

[@daverussell457]

Yep. Nobody liked Renault until Daniel arrived. I'm sure McLaren has lots more fans now too.

[@RumblesBettr]

So true. I mean who likes the french... but with Danny onboard i rooted for them

[@Rhythmattica]

@@RumblesBettr Thats bizarrely of the cuff.. but somehow true.

[@druegnor]

~Yeah I felt the yellow colour looks cool..now not anymore

[@peterpansreise]

I find that he made Renault a more humane team which created a better leadership culture within them. Abiteboul has not been a good leader regarding human qualities. He seemed petty and not being able to have a laugh about himself. When RIC quit, the team released a message that could have lead to a bad working atmosphere for the whole of 2020. Only RICs spirit and handling of the affair led to the successful year they had. I hope for them they carry this spirit forward.

[@pdiddydoan69]

Agree. Always felt like Cyril was bigger than the team - d.ric changed that dynamic and Cyril took more of a public backstep and it seemed to have done the team better. He seems more mellow

[@peterpansreise]

Nahuel right, I didn’t even think of that - Nando and leadership culture...

[@djoetma]

Abiteboul is fine. One of few authentic people in F1. The RB pr machine did ecerything to work against him and fans tend to be unable to look through that. If Abiteboul really was that bad, we would've heard about it like we did at f.e. McLaren with chocolate gate. It was Abiteboul who rebuild the team and the infrastructure.

[@sojunip]

100% agree. I feel like cyril let's his ego get the better of him, and it leads to bad decisions. The Renault announcement after it was reported dan was going to mclaren is a prime example of that. Look how all other teams have handled their drivers leaving in terms of public statements. Cyril has too much pride and ego and takes things too personally, which is why he lashes out and does/says shit that is counter productive to the team (could have ruined the relationship with Dan and the team for this entire season as you pointed out)

[@djoetma]

@@sojunip BS. What bad decisions did he make according to you?

[@danonthestrings]

One thing I noticed and feel free to correct me but his performance with Renault especially this 2020 season has been great but most importantly so reliable. I do not remember a single moment where he was featured in the highlights with an error, a spin, a crash etc. Extracting the absolute max from the car always on that fine limit and never stepping over it is what has made him worth the money. Thats a very underestimated quality and one that I’ve only seen in Hamilton recently...

[@djjjjjjj887]

Whilst I do get what you're saying and agree for the most part. It's also worth mentioning he did put his Renault into the wall in FP2 at the Styrian GP 2020. Although, in races he did what he needed to do and out drove his team mate in most races. * I'm a Danny Ric fan btw.

[@danonthestrings]

@@djjjjjjj887 Yeah fair, still incredibly reliable though

[@djjjjjjj887]

@@danonthestrings agreed Pal. Here's to him repeating that this year. 🥂

[@squeakybunny2776]

Styrian GP free practice Spun in the UK Spun in the turkish GP and spun his teammate round (although he did have to avoid hamilton so you know mehh) thats the ones I remember

[@mikespearwood3914]

@@squeakybunny2776 True, but shit happens. Two podiums (first Renault podium in years!) Two races with fastest lap bonus points 5th in the drivers standings...4th for much of the year. Helped Renault to 3rd in the constructors for a fair part of the season in a tightly contested midfield, although disappointingly they still ended up 5th.

[@Abbaschand]

The real question: Did Cyril forgets about the tattoo?

[@danhood4194]

YES

[@Melv1ns]

Ricciardo said he had forgot about iy

[@clave5477]

@@Melv1ns source?

[@TommiMakkinen]

Danny should have held Cyril to the bet up until he left Renault

[@Ronny999x]

He Weasel himself out of that i guess.

[@MrBlazemaster525]

Danny Ric was worth the $50M - Renault wasted him though on a mediocre car in 2019

[@Dunbie_]

Nail on the head

[@tomdiprose4354]

Agreed, did not have the car to match his abilities.

[@Schpit]

Umm...I think ur missing the fact that he was a huge part as to why the car was much better in 2020. That wasnt money wasted. It was well spent in 2019

[@MrBlazemaster525]

@@Schpit and you're missing the point that people are going to slate him over 2019 when it isn't his fault the car was shit(and really even in 2020 it was still shit compared to their customer)

[@AkaiHero]

@@MrBlazemaster525 R.S.20 a shit car? Really? You're saying Mclaren's MCL35 a better car because they got 3rd place? They only got third place because TWO of their drivers performed better than RP's and Renault's. Both Ricciardo and Perez performed and score better than Carlos. I'm not gonna say that Renault's car is better than Mclaren's this year, but saying their car "shit" is certainly an understatement to their progress and what they've achieve this year.

[@mihir8701]

"he had a breakthrough with renualt first podium *LAST YEAR*" had me confused for a minute

[@mikespearwood3914]

Still seems too early to refer to 2020 as "last year" lol.

[@adamengland8860]

Ricciardo's performances feel like the only thing allowing Cyril to keep his job and possibly Renualt (money at least) to stay in F1. So worth the cash from a survival POV.

[@djoetma]

Nonsense. Abiteboul rebuild the team and actually got a huge promotion under Luca de Meo.

[@jhint1929]

@@djoetma Nonsesne, no point rebuilding the team if you don't have good drivers to work with your engineers

[@Haxes101]

He was very much worth the money, he contributed his 100% to the team and the team to him. There is no price on unity within a team, all involved should be proud of their accomplishments for the last two years. I find it comical that so many fans lay blame in one direction or another but cannot see what’s really going on where the entire team must mesh for total success. If driver criticized the equipment all the time without providing proper feedback then that is not a constructive relationship, Daniel makes everyone feel good about themselves through honesty and solid communication.

[@stanslvrt8705]

I think he played a crucial role in building this team. I actually find it a shame and petty that people pegg Cyril for signing ricciardo just to « get back at Horner ». That man has made comments which has led to the very necessary changes to the organizational structure of the team. This type of change is worth a lot. I think just to show that from 2019 to 2020 they gained over 0.3% in pace compared to Mercedes, especially on what in essence is a 2018 chassis which that organizational structure didn’t build, is remarkable and just gives us a glimpse into what Alpine will be this season and especially in 2022. Alpine/Renault is a truly underrated team.

[@railed3]

Yeah then fuckin old mate Alonslow will get in it 😂

[@utetopia1620]

Its funny how people will say that Ricciardo helped build the team to make it better, but with Hamilton, he's apparently done nothing behind the scenes and wins just because he's in the best car. I'm not sure how people can accept the Ricciardo can do it, but Hamilton doesn't...

[@stanslvrt8705]

@@utetopia1620 wowwwwwww never said anything about Mercedes and Hamilton... this video is about Renault and Alpine. I’m a Renault fan and I just love to pour over the details about Renault. I don’t know what other teams changed because of their drivers or of their past performing cars. I’m sure Hamilton did his fair share of pulling the team to the front, but keep me out of this Hamilton discussion.

[@stanslvrt8705]

@@railed3 Yh ahahah it’s kinda ironic for Ricciardo ahahah He’ll have done all the heavy lifting and then boom Alonso will reap all the rewards ahahah

[@gregmayled]

No one cared about Renault before Ricciardo turned up. He put them back on the podium, and opened the team up for Alonso to return. Alonso wouldn’t have returned if Ricciardo hadn’t had turned up, made a clear number one seat, then opened that seat up for another driver to take the helm.

[@CP-kb1du]

Alonso would return even on a cart he is a Sour Toxic little man and will add nothing but radio chatter complaining about the car ..

[@gregmayled]

@@CP-kb1du It’ll be interesting to see how long it takes him to get back into his old ways, or not.

[@resultsIT11243]

When I started reading this I thought you were going to say, nobody cared who I was until I put on the mask (dark knight rises 😛)

[@johnny2times990]

Umm, Daniel is a better racer overall than Alonso imho. Alonso is past his best and everyone knows it. Think back to his days as Hamilton’s teammate. Whiner.

[@angryman132]

@@CP-kb1du podium

[@carcrasheconomy3531]

I think the real question is did Ricciardo get two years of value out of Renault

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

I've seen a lot of examples of how greedy Ricciardo is behind that smile of his. He's in this for the money. I'd say he got plenty out of Renault. 50 million $ to be precise.

[@Rhythmattica]

@@LarsRyeJeppesen Lots of examples? Geez.. That'd make me feel pretty sad that he moved from Red Bull to Renault only because... And those examples? I may change my thoughts about him.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

@@Rhythmattica There was a documentary about RedBull and Ricciardo even wanted the team to refund when he bought a bottle of water in an airport. Apparently it was well known in the Red Bull organisation that Ricciardo tried to "deduct" anything he bought privately - down to a single water bottle.

[@Rhythmattica]

@@LarsRyeJeppesen Seems many do.... "It includes an eye-opening scene in which Horner good-naturedly makes fun of Ricciardo while looking at his expenses. “He’s a tight bugger Daniel, isn’t he... water at Nice Airport - seven pounds,” Horner laughs. “Typical racing driver, they’ll recharge anything. Lunch at Nice Airport - five pounds... “Snacks at Heathrow… all he does is eat!” While it might seem unusual for a millionaire race driver to be worrying about such small items, Ricciardo is one of the most underpaid drivers in the sport." ^^^ So yeh... Duly noted.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

@@Rhythmattica It says a lot about a person that makes 10+ million$ a year, trying to get a privately bought water bottle refunded.... wouldn't you say?

[@frr1107]

Ricciardo made a lot of money and is now heading to a Mercedes powered McLaren team which has only been improving over the last few seasons. Worth it for Ricciardo. Renault is choosing to make things harder for themselves by signing Alonso. Yes, he‘s a two time champion, but that was 15 years ago. And he‘s... Alonso.

[@jaremakarwowski1574]

I don't like guy too. By the end of the season he will leave beacouse car isn't good enough for him.

[@frr1107]

@@jaremakarwowski1574 true, he'll probably wreck Ocon even more. But Renault could then at least go for Gasley, if he's available

[@alonsop9861]

who would you have signed instead? Alonso can't be that bad for a team if this is the third time renault signs him, and this time he will have a better car than during his second stint in the team

[@hlonim8667]

@@frr1107 I have a bad feeling that Alonso will try to take over at Renault. In terms of getting the best parts and everything every race. I am still quite surprised that he was allowed to take part in the young drivers' test though, but then again, with him anything is possible

[@valerierodger7700]

@@alonsop9861 have you not paid attention to the toxic effect he has had on teams in the past? Yes, he will have a better car. And he will get as much out of it as possible. But when things go wrong, he will criticize and attack rather than push for positive change.

[@AnthonyW86]

Looking at the troubles Red Bull has had with their second driver the past two seasons, i would say Renault and Abiteboul got exactly what they wanted.

[@squeakybunny2776]

idk..rbr still finished second in the constructors and even with daniel or another good second driver that still wouldnt have been a first...So it doesnt matter too much..

[@red_lotta_whole]

@@squeakybunny2776 they finished further behind merc in 2019 and 2020 than in 2018, and in 2019 they lost to Ferrari, so they haven't really gone forward nor backwards nor forwards since 2018

[@mikespearwood3914]

@@squeakybunny2776 That was thanks to an implosion by Ferrari. Without their suspiciously good PU, Ferrari have dropped down, so no competition for #2 constructors now, with Max able to carry the team on his own.

[@CarlosDiaz-qb4jj]

Because Renault clearly wanted Red Bull to have a bad 2nd driver instead of them being a championship contender, right?

[@Dasspapirfly]

Don't forget that Danny Ric probably moved a lot of merchandise, he's one of the more popular drivers after all.

[@Casey-ov2hx]

If russel doesn’t get a Mercedes seat I want Danny ric to get a chance in the Mercedes. He’s got that talent to win

[@utetopia1620]

By the time a seat becomes available at Mercedes, new rules and regulations will have closed the field.

[@johnny2times990]

And he’s not the complainer Alonso is. Renault will regret this.

[@cj6wright]

Mercedes won't let a genuine challenger sit next to Hamilton, everybody knows that.

[@bobbyde_pressed4023]

@@cj6wright yeah but hamilton got prob another 1 or 2 seasons left before he retires. And mercedes doesnt wanna let go of someone like russell too. Everyone's gonna be gunning for that merc seat.

[@AdaptivePhenix]

@@cj6wright Correction:Hamilton won't let a genuine challenger.... I am convinced that "stuff" was said during the last negotiation that Hamilton didn't want to hear. I bet it was Merc who opted for the one year deal ;)

[@andyvettel4375]

Imo all the car and engine development that he has helped with and very strong performances throughout the year along with a couple of podiums as well as a lot of good pr means that it was totally worth it

[@tom.mcnamara]

100%, Ricciardo helped guide Renault in the right direction over his 2 seasons there, and completely dominated his teammates with the machinery at his disposal.

[@pequeñomoth]

Danny Ric is absolute world class. I want him to win a driver's championship so badly!

[@potatopants4691]

Would be nice if he had a "Jenson Button 2009" season.

[@Whisper555]

In 2020 there were 4 drivers who had the talent and skills to win a WDC Only 1 of them was in a car that could win a WDC Daniel Ricciardo is 1 of the 4 drivers That alone is worth the price tag to any team. When you add in all the other positive attributes Daniel brings, then it is a no brainer.

[@ibast1]

Interesting point about him adapting and not blaming the car. It makes the choice of Alonso even more puzzling.

[@SaintAlphaOmega]

Renault did get their money's worth from the 50 million dollars they spent on Ricciardo. Two podiums and a bunch of valuable points to them thanks to Ricciardo. THeir 2021 season already looks better now. Hope Alonso keeps up the momentum and improves the team's fortune this coming season.

[@ramaanomuravha8575]

Very detailed analysis, big up to this great content

[@juliejones2759]

For getting a class driver and feedback to drive development in the right direction not only made Renault climb up the rankings it saved money developing a package and having to correct wrong turns. It was well worth the investment. Furthermore, Daniel has been a breath of fresh air in the rigid ego driven cooperate culture at Renault and that is priceless. Isn't it Cyril?

[@PandaStencils]

The Honey badger more than gave Renault their money's worth, including a lot of intangibles in addition to his on-track results. Lando and Daniel with a Mercedes-powered McLaren will be a dynamite package in a historic team. Looking forward to the 2021 season.

[@JediOfTheRepublic]

I am new F1 fan and I am looking forward to 2021. I have been binging F1 on youtube and the videos with Ricardo and Norris are just great. I hope they can keep that up as teammates and really looking forward to rooting for both of them next year. Go team McLaren.

[@bulalidazana3127]

Danny Ric was well worth it. Knowing the driver is more than likely at 100% leaves you under no illusions as to car performance. That alone is worth a top driver.

[@dinosshed]

He's one of very few drivers who improved the team in many aspects even after the Golden handshake. Vettel at Ferrari, Alonso at McLaren, Vettel in 2014 red bull and there's a long list of others who just shat on the team or got shat on after things didn't go to plan. Not Danny Ric, he just pulled everything up a notch and kept on smiling, trying and achieving. Renault got their value in every corner.

[@djrashty]

Worth every penny and more! Kept Renault in f1 - that in itself is priceless for f1, renault and the prospects of the team..

[@warrenm6882]

Probably best to ask Zak Brown if he is worth it, or Christian Horner 😁 But seriously, there's maybe 4 drivers on the grid at the moment who excel at providing quality feedback to help improve a car or get it setup the way they want and drive consistently near the peak of a car's capacity. The RB might be designed to suit Max, but the second car didn't suddenly become undriveable the day Ricciardo left. I think you'll see the difference when Perez is able to tweak it after the first 6 or 7 races next year. Given how much money manufacturers invest in the performance of the car itself, drivers who add real value to that huge development cost are worth their weight in gold. I think Bottas' performance in this area is significantly undervalued by the wider community in general yet is a major reason he still has a seat despite George looking more than ready to step up. Ferrari improved dramatically with Vettel at the helm and there's little coincidence that Ferrari struggled to improve during the season with Vettel knowing he was being moved on. Conversely Haas will likely continue to struggle with two rookies at the wheel next season and I think McLaren will see the Ricciardo for Sainz swap as a win for them particularly when you consider they have a new Merc engine they have to adapt the chassis to. And while Alonso is undoubtedly one of the great drivers of his generation and capable of ringing everything from a car, it will be interesting to see whether Alpine improves or flatlines with his different approach to development. The other side to the coin is obviously the drivers marketability and do they in effect pay for themselves through sponsor relationships. From a marketing standpoint, I'm sure Ricciardo brought in more than he took from Renault.

[@leongt1954]

I think 2019 hurt Renault when their car was worse that the 2018 car and it was only mid 2020 that they got their act together but by that time you can bet McLaren came calling and as Zac Brown said they had been after Ricciardo for a long time

[@richards4456]

Agreed. The 2018 car was best of the rest easily.

[@collinwadham6582]

Oh yes...Daniel definitely helped Renault progress. Everyone can see that. No disrespect to Hulkenburg or Ocon, but neither could do it alongside Ricciardo. He definitely "outstood" them both, well, not close. Magical driver.

[@CallsignEskimo-l3o]

Ricciardo at Sochi: 'I'll just drive faster. That's my bad, I'll make up for it.' That's the attitude your paying for.

[@michaelbalding4876]

Daniel’s abilities to translate the car’s strengths & shortcomings has raised Renault’s chances of a World Championship to a realistic level. His results speak for him, as does the improvement in car performance & handling. The value of an attitude like his, should never be overlooked, as the change in Team relationships shows. He deserves a World Champion’s team and car!

[@SamiKhan-pb8nz]

THANK YOU FOR A SPECIFIC VIDEO ON THE HONEY BADGER! My favorite Driver, its him why I watch the formula 1 races

[@TheZanzaroni]

When Schumacher signed for Ferrari he brought Benetton's senior technical team with him. He knew what those people were capable of. Together with his feedback they achieved greatness. Then he went to Mercedes, look where they are now. If Ricciardo has half the racing talent of Schumacher but the team know how to put the right people in the right place, then Renault would be satisfied with his legacy within the team even if they had spent $150M on him.

[@liam6nugget]

To use an Aussie colloquialism: Abso-fucking-lutely

[@Rmcmbonfas]

Ricciardo effort was easily worth what he was paid for. The main purpose of the team is to bring publicity over the brand, and there's no one better than the most charismatic driver to do this. His skill made Renault's efforts visible in a way his teammate alone wouldn't.

[@classicf1976]

Worth every penny. And renault had to thank him too. Happy new year every one.

[@Supersonic_racing]

if you are looking at money, then you should include the extra money renault got from finishing higher in the championship and ofcourse the main reason for participating in F1 in the first place, marketing value. On both counts I am willing to bet Ricciardo earned renault millions in return

[@thatterenceguy95]

The fact that "last year" is 2020 is seriously screwing with my mind.

[@magatsu82]

Now I want a chart of most money efficient drivers

[@liamwest5123]

Gasly cost the least per point he earned. Vettel cost the most( unless you count Latifi who technically cost an infinite amount per point)

[@jsandalls2]

Easily worth it for all of the reasons given in the video. He's one of the top tier drivers on the grid - only outscored by Max in 2018 thanks to a truly ridiculous level of mechanical unreliability.

[@pedroferrr1412]

Ohh and Max?! He suffered the same. None wants to admit but for me, he just have run way from max, could not compete with him with the same car.

[@jsandalls2]

@@pedroferrr1412 Not sure how much pot you were smoking in 2018 but Ricciardo had 8 DNFs to Max's 4. The mechanical nature of Ric's DNFs also meant that he took far more grid penalties for replacing parts which hampered him in subsequent races. There is really no comparison between the two for how much unreliability Daniel's side of the garage faced. Max is undoubtably quick but it was Ricciardo that scored Red Bull's 2 pole position in 2018 (beating Max on pure pace) and Daniel has been the only Red Bull Driver close to a title challenge since 2013. Daniel can compete with anyone on the grid but Red Bull made it clear in Azerbaijan that they were favouring Max (al la Vettel vs Webber Turkey 2010) and were even gearing the car development more towards Max. This turned out to be a huge error as for the last two seasons, Red Bull have made a difficult car that only Max can extract the best from which has hampered their Sundays.

[@jc6six6]

@@jsandalls2 Very, very, VERY well said! You know your shit my friend. Echoed my sentiments exactly. What you have just related to hasn't really been spoken about in anything else I can remember seeing or hearing but I've always thought it, there were a few times last season where I said the same words to the commentators through my telly haha. You should have your own channel mate.

[@jsandalls2]

@@jc6six6 haha thanks pal - I've thought about it! I'll tag you here if I ever start one!

[@djoetma]

Max is better, but you're talking out of yoir ass when you say reliability was the same for the two in '18. And he didn't run from Max, RB offered him way less salary and it was clear it was going to be Max' team. RB thought Ricciardo didn't have any options and thus tried keeping him down which backfired.

[@MarkoMijuskovic]

Ricciardo is a top 4 driver in F1 for sure when it comes to his driving but the possitive attitude he brings in makes him even more valuable. He was worth every penny if you ask me. I just hope that McLaren can provide him with the car he needs to be seriously competitive.

[@angusurquhart7080]

I heavily agree

[@SmashGhost]

The massive increase in merch sales vs. Hulk must have offset a chunk of that cost

[@suhdud4646]

4:36 - "Turned his back on the team" - Each driver is their own brand. Teams will drop a driver at a drop of a hat if the team benefits from the new deal. Drivers moving teams for their benefit shouldn't be frowned upon or labelled as betrayal.

[@Elias-nk6eh]

Yes, definitely

[@matt2k197]

If he stays with McLaren for long enough they will be a championship winning team again

[@adriangale]

He’s the only driver that looks happy that he’s living the dream of millions 😂

[@munzy5865]

You can say all you want off track and on SM. Daniel does all his talking on track every weekend and if Renault gave him better strategies on race day they could of been a real P3 contender in the WCC. His tire management is right up there with Lewis another 40-50 HP in the Renault PU could have made Renault more competitive and challenge the mid field a lot stronger. He leaves Renault in good shape to improve in '21 and now he will do the same for Mclaren Mercedes and I think he will. If 2020 had been a normal F1 calendar year he may have stayed with Renault. The answer to the question " Was he worth $50m?" No doubt every $$$$$$

[@123etgwbvgdcfawsfr]

Ricciardo is a true class act. He leads by example with a positive attitude and is willing to take blame when he has fallen short.

[@srrkrieg7465]

not to mention the merch revenues he gets. He is a really well liked driver so I'm sure they recouped a nice percentage of the cost via merch.

[@mrkumar9813]

F1 teams are marketing companies and Ricciardo is the best ambassador any marketing company can have.

[@olafkonny4846]

Yeah mclaren has gotten quite the marketing opportunities now that they have basically the two most marketable drivers in F1 atm.

[@rayanburon2506]

@@olafkonny4846 lol, no one give a fuck about norris except maclaren’s fans.

[@parkjoe1]

Radio: you have a 5 second penalty DR: "ok, I'll drive faster. That's my bad, I'll make up for it" worth 50 mil right there

[@frozenflames5263]

Ricciardo’s time at Renault summarized in four words: “OK, I’ll drive faster.”

[@danguee1]

Tbh I thought that was poor. It was basically saying: I wasn't going as fast as I can - but will do now.

[@JustinTillig]

@@danguee1 that's how F1 works mate. You can't drive 100% every lap

[@johnny2times990]

Quite simply put, it’s called race strategy/management in an uncompetitive car mate. Daniel is top quality.

[@shahriarhaque915]

The extra point he got for the fastest lap on the last lap in the last race is what makes him worth it. Sheer dedication and professionalism.

[@flammenjc]

You could argue that Ricciardo's performance gave Ocon the belief in the hardware to be able to get a podium himself, and ultimately, gave Alonso enough hope to rejoin in the first place... So essentially Ricciardo paved the way FOR Alonso

[@HafizGhifari]

please give this guy a championship winning car

[@LionMan98]

Not really, but they served Daniel a poor hand. Not his fault Renault were too ambitious.

[@HayBale10]

Ya I believe if they were going for like 3rd in the constructers championship instead of first they could of done better definitely. They were way to ambitious

[@gamingmetlolo4631]

You also have to look on the fans who cam with him, he is a very populair driver The merch money, etc that comes with him are huge

[@anthonyborg3014]

Cyril will never forget Danny Ric especially if he comes good on that tattoo

[@TheCreakyChair]

So his wage was $25mill in 2020 for example and thier budget was about $270 mill. A small price to pay for what he did for them.

[@meluha706]

$50M for the shoey's basically, will take it anytime of the day from Ricciardo! Great driver

[@scottc5820]

Ummm yes. He wiped the floor with his team mate. Not to mention all the fans he brought to the team with his awesome personality

[@chriscuthbertson]

Less than $1 per smile.... that's great value

[@matthewskidmore2397]

I would say yes. The team may not have improved much in 2019 but his feedback from that year helped Renault make a big step forward in 2020. Yes they didn't finish any higher in the constructor's standings, but the car was better, more quick and crucially more consistant and can now fight for podiums. Ricciardo may have left Renault, but they now have a solid baseline for Alonso to take over. I just hope they maintain this upward trajectory.

[@durim187]

Renault would gladly sign Ricciardo for a few more years.

[@ramaanomuravha8575]

I greatly differ with such,Alonso is the right candidate they need now,he will haul podiums and surely wins in 2022

[@durim187]

@@ramaanomuravha8575 Alonso would be perfect for a dominant team, he would fight Ham like no other. I dont think he has skills to improve the team and blame culture is strong with him.

[@dillbickle8114]

I feel like Renault definitely could have done a lot more PR especially when you have a PR pro in Daniel on your team. I know Mclaren will use Daniel for all he is worth and it'll help the team financially a lot. Renault seemed to have dropped the ball hugely in that area.

[@avflashback8913]

Over the last two seasons Ricciardo along with Hamilton and Verstappen are the only drivers that have consistently got the most out of their car. I think Ricciardo was worth the money. I don't see Alonso doing any better. And I bet he's getting more money than Ricciardo. And unlike Ricciardo, Alonso will blame the car & the team when he's not getting the results.

[@djoetma]

Leclerc?? I think he did a good job at Ferrari.

[@avflashback8913]

@@djoetma In 2019 I would agree with you. But in 2020 I feel that Leclerc driving wasn't as good. Even if you make allowances for the Ferrari.

[@djoetma]

@@avflashback8913 Interesting that we differ in opinion here, because for me it's the other way around. I thought he was spectacular this season because of the point difference with Vettel and he was able to put down some great results with this very disappointing Ferrari.

[@andrewbordignon6715]

exacly alonso good but blames everyone else

[@MonaroMel1]

If I was rich I'd pay double just to see his smiling face and positive attitude. He's priceless in my view and any team he moves too/ car he drives (I believe) will only get better with the honey badger behind the wheel 😎

[@user-bm9cv9vn2k]

There would've been renault and Honda exit F1 by now.

[@gumnaamaadmi007]

Part of me wonders what might have been with Alonso and Daniel Ricc as teammates for even just a year in Alpine. An unlikely situation, I know, but an enticing one. Hope Daniel does not end up regretting the move to McLaren as Renault seems to be getting stronger and stronger with every season.

[@annerud9625]

Riccardo is hilarious! Alonso is too. Makes the brand more appealing when you have at least one. Dan Ric will be amazing w/ Zac!

[@encinobalboa]

Daniel outperformed his team mate both years, especially this year when he crushed Ocon. Daniel's results were enough to move Remault forward one position in the Constructor's Title. So yes, money well spent.

[@6rohit6]

They have wasted the potential of Ricciardo in 2019

[@joemills4603]

I guess the bottom-line question is if he was worth the difference between his and Hulk/Sainz's salary? As an engineer myself, when you have a good benchmark user (driver in this case), it can be worth a lot to the engineering team in terms of pinpointing development areas. If that user is consistent in pushing their own performance, it can help you to push the product performance.

[@manic989]

The only thing you should never miss is the hyphen.

[@Rhythmattica]

Well a good Segway to a rippa joke.... Totally OT.. but worth it. "Theres a thin line between obsessive and compulsive......... . . . . . .. . . .. Its a Hyphen" Jimmy Carr

[@stevelueb7787]

When was the last time are no had a podium finish? Renault has been sucking for years Ricardo made the whole team's better look at what they accomplished this year.

[@RealestMFOnTheInternet]

"I'd spend $50M to be as handsome as this legend." - Probably Daniel Ricciardo

[@Kris_Bo]

Tough question to attempt to answer so well done to all at the race for having a go! I can't help but think the 2020 version of Sergio Perez will have obtained the on track results in a Renault. However the intangible benefits that Riccardo has brought over the last 2 years to Renault have been priceless.

[@marcosgarcia11084]

Yup I think they did.

[@spencerrollins7582]

Okay just hear me out. I know it won’t/can’t happen, but Daniel Ricciardo and George Russell in the Mercedes, 2022. That would be absolutely unbelievable. It would give Ricciardo his best shot at winning the WDC and give Russell someone to actually learn from. Russell is a super quick driver (I mean he beat Norris, Albon, De Vries, Aitken, Latifi, and scored far more points the Leclerc), he’s great at banter, and he’s liked by literally everyone on the grid. Him and Daniel wouldn’t be the “meme central” that we had hoped for with Ric and Norris, but you’re talking about two extremely quick drivers fighting for the WDC in a consistently top 2 team. I can dream.

[@cameronkirk8453]

*5 second penalty* "yeah my bad I'll drive faster"

[@Apis4]

THIS ^ A guy who says 'Sorry boys, my bad, yeah, I'll just drive faster"..... then actually DOES outdrive his penalty, as opposed to say.... a certain WDC who I have heard ask to retire the car before....'why are we even out here guys" and "come on, you have to retire me".....not to knock Hamilton, but he is the greatest of his generation, and even he does not have Ricciardo's mettle in bad situations......well that guy is worth his weight in gold. It's the difference between the FIA investigating your shady reasons for pulling your car, when you lose some floor at Magny Cours, and you winning the race even with 15% power loss at Monaco. THAT was worth the 50 million alone imho.

[@nashrace]

Money well spent and Mclaren and Norris will grow massively with DR in their seat. The bloke is TOP Drawer.

[@catflapqo]

how much did red bull lose by driving him out?

[@grantreibel2520]

Lando and Ricardo will be unstoppable next year together at McLaren :

[@michaelgibson4705]

They had a world class driver, but for most of his time there he was driving a shed

[@emmata98]

don't you dare to insult a shed. :D

[@Firashelou]

Actually they both got out of each other. Ricciardo got 50 million and renault got results!