Riccardo: I’m not eager to get back behind the wheel right now

Daniel Ricciardo, speaking about his plans for 2023, is focusing on working on the Red Bull Racing simulator and has made no secret of the fact that he is not eager to get back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 driver as soon as possible crawling car. yet fully recovered from the experience that comes with two seasons at McLaren which, despite a memorable win at Monza, was the most unhappy period of the Australian’s career.

At the presentation of the new Red Bull car yesterday, he made his first public appearance in his new capacity as reserve driver for the Milton Keynes team. But it is possible that in the middle of the season he will have the chance to work on tire tests behind the wheel of a real car, although he says this is especially important to maintain normal racing form.

“Let’s just say I’m happy to be working on the tests to stay in race shape so the body doesn’t go into total shock when exposed to 5g Gs,” said Ricciardo when asked if he would take part in the race . to test. – But if the tests were to start tomorrow, I would prefer not to.

I am sure that during the season I will still work behind the wheel, but I cannot say that I am already burning with such a desire. I’m still happy that 2023 is off to a slow start for me, I’m trying not to stress too much. It is clear that participating in the presentation of Red Bull Racing lifts me up, and I like everything. But I’m also happy to be able to spend this year however I want. At least now I have such an attitude, and everything suits me.

I feel like the holidays are coming to an end and it seems to me that I’ve almost had enough rest. I’m going to the Super Bowl next weekend, after which I’ll gradually go back to normal mode, work out more intensely and stuff.

I still think I’m doing the right thing and we’ll see how it turns out in the next few months, but I don’t think there’s any reason to rush. Obviously I need to stay in good shape – just in case you suddenly have to get behind the wheel. I haven’t put on 20 pounds yet and I think I’m pretty good.

I spent more time at home, with my family, because the older you get, the more you feel this need. At the same time I didn’t think too much about racing or about the start of the season – I think I just wanted to enjoy the peace because in previous years when I came to my native country I always thought that I should start tomorrow morning with train.

But I was constantly busy with some business, and it was really nice to get away from it all. I felt like I should spend more time with the people I love because I owe it to them.”

Ricciardo’s first race as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing will be his home Australian Grand Prix.

“Most likely I will watch the first leg of the season on TV, and maybe this will give me some kind of warm feelings,” said Daniel. – Then I will be in Melbourne, this will be the first race I go to and immerse myself in all this atmosphere, I will find myself in the midst of these sounds and smells, and it will probably have its usual effect. I’ll feel if I want to come back or if it’s convenient for me to stay a fan for a while. Let’s see”.