And McLaren’s former driving force revealed his persistent surprise when Ricciardo switched from Red Bull to Renault, saying he had questioned the Australian about the astonishing move.
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“I’m very surprised at your time at Renault,” Button told the Podcast In the Fast Lane.
“I would have liked to have seen him in a Red Bull in recent years pushing Max (Verstappen), they would have driven him themselves and it would have been a wonderful war to watch.
“For many months I didn’t notice it and I even said to Daniel, ‘I don’t feel, I don’t feel your resolve to move to Renault’ and I’m sure it rarely gets questioned like you do when you back down.
“I know you get paid a lot in cash at Renault, however, you would also have been paid a lot in cash at Red Bull, so I don’t think it’s a question of cash or a reason.
“I think it’s about not feeling up to your partner and not feeling wanted on the team and I think that’s why he made that gesture.
Although Ricciardo has struggled to find good fortune on the French team during the season and a half beyond, the 2009 F1 champion says Renault’s driving force has been “very impressive”.
“(I’m) probably more inspired by what he’s done at Renault than with what he’s done at Red Bull,” Button said.
“Having one in (then teammate) Nico (Hulkenberg) in his first year as well, I think it’s very impressive. Now we only see what Nico can do at a Racing Point (replacing Sergio Perez in two races this season), shows his strength. So, for Daniel, doing this is very impressive.
While Renault fought hard, Ricciardo remained there, McLaren came here in leaps and bounds.
They finished ninth in the 2017 championship and jumped to fourth place last season, the same position they have recently held in the constructors’ championship after six races and a podium.
They hope to have even more good luck in 2021, with ricciardo’s arrival coinciding with a return to Mercedes engines.
Button, who had run in the past for McLaren, said, “This change to McLaren is a good fortune or a break, I think for Daniel in his career.”
“He’s still young, but you want to start moving to a team that can give you race wins and championship fights.
“This is a vital resolution for him and I hope it’s worth it. McLaren with a Mercedes (engine) in the rear will be very competitive.
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