Ricciardo: Layout changes could fix 'grim' Abu Dhabi entertainment

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Daniel Ricciardo says F1 should consider changes to Yas Marina's layout in the wake of a season finale in Abu Dhabi that offered fans only "grim entertainment" according to the Aussie.

Action on the track was few and far between up and down the field in Sunday's race dominated by Red Bull's Max Verstappen who enjoyed a lights-to-flag win.

From 11th on the grid, Ricciardo gained one spot before moving up the order during the Safety Car period, eventually crossing the checkered flag P7.

The departing Renault driver said he enjoyed a "fun" evening as he raced to keep his opponents at bay, but saw little interaction was others over the course of the 55-lap event.

"It was like a long time trial that I was enduring," he said. "So personally it was a fairly fun race for me, although not a whole lot of action with other guys.

"It is a shame because it is such a great venue, and I certainly do not want to talk the place down because I want to keep coming back here because it is amazing.

"But maybe we could play around with the layouts, I know there is a few alternatives around here.

"Because unfortunately on Sunday it is tricky, it is sometimes a bit grim from an entertainment point of view."

Read also: F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2020 Abu Dhabi GP

Ahead of his move to McLaren for 2021, Ricciardo cast a positive view of his final season with Renault and the progress enjoyed by the Enstone squad in 2020.

"I feel fulfilled to be honest," he said. "I felt it coming into the track actually. It was like this is it. I do.

"This year although shortened it was such a chaotic year. But actually a really strong one.

"I’m really pleased how far we’ve come, both myself and the team, and fifth in the drivers’ championship, obviously there is no reward for that, but I think it speaks for itself in the turnaround we made this year."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.