Riccardo: In the future I will come to Austin as a fan

Daniel Ricciardo was recently a guest on the CBS American television show Stephen Colbert, where the Australian was asked to comment on the explosive growth of Formula 1 in the US.

“I wanted to be serious at first,” Daniel said. – And then I decided it was all because I looked so cool! I think this explosion is due to the popularity of the documentary series Drive to Survive on Netflix. Now they will be on show for the fifth season, and all of this has been done pretty dashingly.

There are parts of the world where Formula 1 has always been popular, for example in Europe it has been for many years, but I had a feeling that there would inevitably be more interest in the US, it was only a matter of time. And Drive to Survive was just kind of a catalyst.

If we talk about Europe, this is where the championship teams are based, and although I’m Australian, I once realized I had to move there, to Europe. In terms of fan interest, I would like to mention Japan: the public there is so knowledgeable and so interested in Formula 1 that they almost follow the drivers there. But at the same time, Japanese fans are very polite and try to show maximum respect. In general, there is a very curious combination of these qualities.

Ricciardo was also asked to advise which race is best to go as a spectator and which circuit is most loved by the riders.

“Of course I’m in America now, but it’s true: I really like the track in Austin,” the rider replied. “It’s really fun and they serve such great BBQ!” Of course this is not the only good circuit, but I like it a lot and I will probably continue to visit it in the future, but as a fan.

If we talk about the track I love as a racer, it’s probably Monaco. We can assume that this is the jewel in the crown of Formula 1. It is very prestigious to win on this track. Monaco is also glamour, and all kinds of world celebrities, and everything together.”