Daniel Ricciardo has driven for Red Bull from 2014 to 2018, before signing for the french manufacturer Renault from 2019 to date. It is then fair to expect him to know both teams inside and out. Having together won four consecutives titles pre hybrid era, the working relationship between Renault and Red Bull deteriorated to a breakeven point, with the latter blaming the former for all their reliability woes.  

However, following the announcement of Honda's departure as Red Bull’s engine supplier, the Aussie believes a collaboration between Milton-Keynes and Enstone is very much possible, despite their past disagreements. 

"Obviously it's not really up to me to decide how that goes, but I do think they could" Ricciardo said.

"There are emotions, and then there's business, and there's time. Time heals a lot of things, and whether things weren't seeing eye to eye a few years ago or whatever it was, I don't think that will necessarily remain forever."

"If that's what ends up happening in the future, I think they can get back on good working terms. I never experienced anything that was irreparable, so I'm not concerned if that's what they do. I think they'll get on with it."

Red Bull is currently considering all their options regarding a new engine supply, but they are understood to look at Renault as a last resort. Ricciardo, contemplating what those options are, is positive about the ability of his former team to find the most fitting solution.

"If they're building a good car, they're going to get support, and they'll still have a chance to do that," 

"Going by the past and the history and my experience there, I don't foresee anything they should be concerned about."

Ricciardo reflected on his concerns about the "unknowns" with Honda's arrival at Red Bull, and pointed to it as part of his decision to leave the team at the end of 2018.

But he felt no resentment regarding his decision, following Honda's exit announcement.

"I honestly don't feel anything personal towards it" 

"I'm not jumping around saying, 'oh yeah look, I was right. It's nothing like that.”

"As far as Red Bull and my relationship with them and a lot of personnel in the team, I kept that strong throughout. Even through my decision, I kept good relationships. I never wanted them to struggle or suffer.”

"Now they've got a decision to make with what happens next. I don't really look at it in a personal light of me winning or losing. It's just the nature of the sport.”

"There's always a chance. The sport, it's always changing so much, so there is a chance of stuff like this happens.”

Ultimately, Ricciardo hoped for the team that brought him into the sport to find the best solution to remain competitive.

"I do hope they find a solution, a good one, and they stay afloat and keep becoming a rival for the rest of us."