That said, not a great deal more was on offer. Renault continues its rebuilding process and the Australian driver is a big part of that, but he understands there is much to do.

There is a lot more speed needed to challenge for fourth in the constructors’ title in 2020, but a feisty fourth place at Monza in 2019 – particularly after starting from fifth on the grid – gave hope the team is on the right track.

Despite that result, Ricciardo will move from Renault to McLaren in 2021, a team with a longstanding tradition of success at Albert Park and the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix.