Thursday’s F1 press conferences leading up to the Hungarian Grand Prix were abuzz with excitement as Daniel Ricciardo took center stage. Fresh off the surprising announcement of his return to the grid with AlphaTauri, Ricciardo’s presence dominated the media sessions.
During the first session, Ricciardo expressed his gratitude and shared his initial thoughts on being back. “Thanks, it’s good to be back. It feels… I don’t know. It doesn’t feel that foreign, like it feels familiar,” he said. Reflecting on his reunion with the Red Bull family, Ricciardo admitted it brought back old memories and a sense of unpredictability. While he didn’t anticipate being in the car for the Hungarian Grand Prix, he spoke of embracing the surprise with open arms.
Ricciardo’s return also meant a reunion with a team he knows well from his earlier days in Formula 1. Having raced for AlphaTauri, then known as Toro Rosso, the driver spoke about the changes that both he and the team have undergone in the past decade. Despite the differences, the nostalgic element played a significant role in Ricciardo’s decision to make this move. The Australian driver emphasized the fresh start and the evolved versions of himself and the team, ultimately leading him to approach this new chapter with renewed perspective and a lightheartedness that comes from appreciating the opportunity.
Acknowledging that he will face challenges along the way, Ricciardo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the Red Bull family once again and acknowledged that solving every problem this weekend is not his main focus. Instead, his primary goal is to embrace the race weekend flow, enjoying the moment and taking each day as it comes. Drawing confidence from his previous performance in a different car last week, Ricciardo intends to carry that momentum forward while remaining realistic about the journey ahead.
Stepping into the AT04 for Friday’s practice sessions, Ricciardo aims to take his next steps forward. Understanding the differences between his recent experience and the challenges he now faces, he remains focused on adapting to the new car and progressing steadily.
Formula 1 fans, along with the rest of the grid, eagerly anticipate witnessing Ricciardo’s journey unfold as he navigates the twists and turns at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
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