Ricciardo: To play it safe we are changing chassis

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Ricciardo said, “I guess [the damage] was from the impact at the start. They don’t know 100% if that was it, that is the assumption."

"To play it safe we are changing chassis. Other than that it is a pretty chilled weekend, pretty relaxed, it is quite nice to just do what we got to do,” added the Australian whose hectic schedule Down Under may have impacted his race day performance.

“After Melbourne I was of course disappointed that the weekend didn’t go well but part of me was relieved that it was over. I was more disappointed for the fans. I do it for me first and foremost but I saw so many Renault T-shirts and hats, first of all I was bummed for myself."

"Once it was settled, I was happy that it was over in a way but I was like I feel for them. Whether I finished 12th or eighth or whatever, at least I was in the race and in some battles and giving them some track time. I had an appearance on Monday afternoon and by then I was joking and laughing.

“So yes, I can get over it pretty quickly, knowing that it is so early in the season, for me and also for the team, for the morale, I’m not coming here to Bahrain with my head still down from Melbourne. That is not healthy, not good for anyone,” concluded the Renault driver.