Perez: Ricciardo "will have trouble" with Hulkenberg

It still seems strange to think that Daniel Ricciardo will be leaving Red Bull this year. Even stranger maybe, the Australian isn’t joining an obvious frontrunner, instead opting to join Renault, who finished sixth in the Constructors’ Championship last season.

Admittedly, the French manufacturer are having a much better season this year and are lining up major investment for the coming seasons, but it still seems difficult to imagine Ricciardo in a midfield battle.

However, Sergio Perez does not believe that Ricciardo will find the midfield battle as easy as some people think.

Now a veteran of driving for midfield teams, Perez drove alongside Ricciardo’s new team mate, Nico Hulkenberg for Force India for three seasons.

Like Perez, Hulkenberg has driven in the midfield for his whole career, never even finishing on the podium.

Despite this, the Mexican believes that Hulkenberg will give Ricciardo a real run for his money.

"Ricciardo's shot at Renault is quite interesting, I think having someone like him in the middle of the pack will show how tight the level in the middle of the grid is,” said Perez.

"I think if things stay the same for next year and the midfield is still close, he'll be in the middle of a lot of competitive battles. It will be interesting to see him with Hulkenberg too, because I think he will have trouble with Nico."