Former Red Bull race winner Mark Webber reiterated his belief that Daniel Ricciardo has made a perilous move to Renault, one that could ultimately test his love for the sport.
Ricciardo's decision to part ways with Red Bull after seven years with the energy drink company's family and seek a bold new challenge with Renault has left many perplexed, among whom is Webber.
Since last summer, when the news of Ricciardo's departure broke, the nine-time Grand Prix winner has often expressed his doubts about the merits of his countryman's choice.
But Webber now warns of the consequences if Ricciardo gets it wrong next year.
"I think it’s quite obvious he can’t wait for the season to be over, which is a little bit of a concern. I don’t want him to fall out of love with the sport," the former Porsche works driver told Australia's The West.
"I just think that really tests your mettle. He’ll be questioning the sport in his head. There’s not too many people to put an arm around your shoulder. Only the tough survive and he knows that.
"He’s got to buckle up and keep going if he wants to bounce back with Renault next year."
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This year, Ricciardo has endured a season of wretched luck with Red Bull, with many of his problems rooted in engines failures, the units supplied, ironically, by his future employer Renault.
When it comes to the future, Webber's outlook for the Honey Badger in 2019 is anything but rosy.
"He’s made his bed over there with Renault, which I think is a weird decision, but that’s what he wants to do because he wants a change of environment.
"But it really can test how much he actually is enjoying the sport."
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