Daniel Ricciardo has reassessed what his Formula 1 career means to him in a new interview published on November 11. Two years after leaving the grid, the eight-time Grand Prix winner said his fixation on becoming World Champion had once made him feel his career was unsuccessful. Looking back now, he has a greater appreciation of the moments he did achieve.
The shock of a first victory
His first win came at the 2014 Canadian Grand Prix in his debut Red Bull season. Starting sixth, Ricciardo passed Sergio Perez and Nico Rosberg in the closing stages to turn a podium opportunity into victory. Hearing his laughter and brief “wow” on the radio again, he described a mixture of shock and joy that left him struggling for words.
Ricciardo said winning produced one of the greatest feelings available in the sport, with a World Championship beyond it. For years that next objective dominated his assessment of his career. He can now look back more warmly on the highlights he experienced.
Monaco heartbreak and redemption
At Monaco in 2016 he claimed his first pole while enjoying exceptional confidence around the streets. He remembered feeling that pole was overdue. His race unravelled at the final tyre change when the correct tyres were not ready, and the delay allowed Lewis Hamilton to take the lead.
Ricciardo attributed the confusion to the team reacting to its rival and losing control of the basics. It remained one of his worst days in F1. He said it would still hurt much more had a subsequent Monaco victory never arrived.
Another chance from pole in 2018 brought even greater pressure. Ricciardo recalled struggling to sleep and simply wanting the race to be over. During the Grand Prix his car lost power. He remembered using only six gears while the team supplied instructions on brake adjustments and other settings without fully explaining the severity of the problem.
He held off Sebastian Vettel to win. Ricciardo said his limited understanding of the hybrid system at that moment may have helped him avoid worrying about the full extent of the trouble. He concentrated on solving each problem and following the instructions needed to reach the finish.
Celebrating in his own way
The swimming-pool leap after that victory and his champagne “shoey” became signature celebrations. He said a favourite film scene inspired the jump, while drinking from his racing boot also expressed his Australian identity. He wanted the enjoyment of winning to come through alongside the seriousness of competing.
Winning for McLaren at Monza in 2021 provided another form of reassurance after a difficult period. It showed him he could still deliver. Ricciardo said F1 could remain serious and still be fun. His eight victories now represent achievements he worked for and realised, alongside the larger ambition he never reached.
