Daniel Ricciardo pointed towards a tendency to "overdrive" his R.S.19 as a justification for the subdued start to his life at Renault.
The Aussie has under-performed relative to his team's expectations and to his team mate Nico Hulkenberg since the 2019 season got underway in Melbourne.
Bahrain hasn't so far seen much improvement from the Renault's high-profile recruit who expected to have an easier task of getting to grips with his new mount.
"I knew it would take time, but in my heart, I just expected to jump in the car, first lap be like sweet, we are going to be good," Ricciardo candidly said.
"So coming a step back as far as grip and handling, it is no secret that we are not on the pace of the car I had last year. So that is something I need to figure out again."
Ricciardo compared his plight at Renault with Charles Leclerc's step up this year to Ferrari, although in reverse!
"In Charles situation coming up to his seat this year, it is a bit like me when I came from Toro Rosso to Red Bull," said the seven-time Grand Prix winner.
"Everything becomes easier, you have more grip, and it is like, oh wow the car can do this?
"So trying to come back down to figure out the best way it is the moment. For yesterday for sure and in Melbourne, I was overdriving the situation.
"A bit of patience and discipline for me, but that is cool. It is challenging in itself to learn that and figure it out. In a way that is exciting, so that is cool."
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