In his first interview since a surprise comeback to the grid, Daniel Ricciardo reveals his expectations for his return to Formula 1 with AlphaTauri. The highly talented Honey Badger, known for his tenacity and skill, dives into what he anticipates from himself and what the team expects from him in this exciting new chapter.
With a touch of humor, Ricciardo jokingly states, “Just be a legend,” when asked about his objectives as the newly minted AlphaTauri driver. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that defining success can only be truly determined once he hits the track in the AlphaTauri car. Will it be a solid P8 finish? Or maybe a respectable P14 position? Only time will tell.
Ricciardo’s return was unveiled while he was behind the wheel of the RB19, participating in a tire test at Silverstone right after the British Grand Prix. Media outlets, including F1.com, were quick to highlight his impressive lap times, particularly in comparison to drivers like Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg from Haas, along with Alex Albon from Williams. It’s worth noting, however, that the nuances of testing make it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about these times, as the compound of tires used by each driver remains undisclosed.
Furthermore, it’s crucial to recognize that Ricciardo will be piloting AlphaTauri’s AT04 at the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, rather than the RB19. Ricciardo acknowledges this fact, stating, “I appreciate the car is going to have its limitations. It might not have as much grip as the Red Bull I drove a few days ago, but if it feels relatively balanced, then that’s something I can work with.” This seasoned driver exudes confidence, having faced numerous challenges in recent years that have molded him into a formidable competitor.
Reflecting on his time away from the grid, Ricciardo shares some notable moments that reignited his competitive fire. Appearing as Red Bull’s reserve driver at the Monaco Grand Prix and his home race in Melbourne undoubtedly played a role. However, it was attending the Super Bowl that truly sparked his inner drive. Recounting the experience, Ricciardo reveals, “It was around the time I went to the Super Bowl, being in a competitive environment again, that’s where I started to get some of those feelings back. This feeling hasn’t gone away, and I would love to be under the lights and compete right now. That was certainly a turning point for me.”
Although Ricciardo doesn’t feel immediate pressure, he doesn’t expect to have a slow start either. With an aim to hit the ground running, he plans to leverage the knowledge gained during his time off and put it into action. Fans eagerly await his performance in the coming days and witness firsthand the impact of his learnings.
As Daniel Ricciardo embarks on this exciting new journey with AlphaTauri, the uncertainties surrounding his return only enhance the anticipation. Formula 1 enthusiasts, along with the team, eagerly await the forthcoming races to witness the legend’s next chapter unfold on the track.
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