Daniel Ricciardo plans to "get top sixes every weekend" and wants to finish on the podium "in the next few months" in an impressive show of self-confidence given his McLaren struggles.
The Australian is halfway through his second season with the team, but his form continues to stutter. Bright spots include his shock win at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, but they have been few and far between.
Instead, the 33-year-old has finished outside the points at far too many races as he struggles to get the most out of his car. Team-mate Lando Norris sympathises and understands why it has been so difficult for the former Red Bull and Renault racer.
But still be has the self-confidence to suggest that brighter days are just around the corner. Speaking to Express Sport, Ricciardo vowed to find more consistency and backed himself to get back to podium contention before the end of the year.
"I'm just being real – there haven't been any strong signs [of a win] so far this year," he said. "But I don't think anyone would have predicted me winning a race last year. That made it a really beautiful thing because it reminded me anything is possible, especially in this sport.
"The higher up the grid I am, the happier I'll be with the result. It's just trying to get to a place where I'm performing consistently at a high level, especially with this car. That's where I haven't been able to do what I expected of myself, which is to get top sixes every weekend and not have many off weekends. Trying to eliminate those would be a basic goal for me.
"Of course, to get back on the podium. At this point, it doesn't even have to be a win. To get back on the podium and in the top three would be a nice one to have in the next few months."
His poor form has led to speculation that he and McLaren might choose to part ways before the end of his contract, which runs until the end of 2023. But Ricciardo dismissed that idea in a defiant social media message, which read: "There have been a lot of rumours around my future in Formula 1, but I want you to hear it from me.
"I am committed to McLaren until the end of next year and am not walking away from the sport. Appreciate it hasn't always been easy, but who wants easy! I'm working my a*s off with the team to make improvements and get the car right and back to the front where it belongs. I still want this more than ever. See you in Le Castellet."
