well i think none could forsee the turnaround of mclaren. im sure they hoped for it but even after winther testing they did not know themselfes, so how on earth ricciardo should have known after mclarens many bad years, if you would have asked me pre season i would have changed him for any of our drivers, but wittnesing how the season progressed, the great atmosphere in team, how they deliver and push each other on track, i dont think i would change any. Although im sure ricciardo would fit very well with his relaxed nature and good humor.
EDIT
and this is where it gets

to talk about mclaren as a relaxed humorous team, "what a difference ten years make...."