Ricciardo: Don’t look back with regret

A few days ago we talked about an interesting film dedicated to Daniel Ricciardo’s road trip through Western Australia, and this somewhat unusual project involving the Formula 1 driver attracted a lot of attention in his home country.

We then quoted Daniel’s words, heard in the film: “To me this is freedom!” He was able to embark on such a journey and realize his old dream only because he had to take a break from his career, so now he has no regrets. This was one of the main thoughts at a press conference for the Australian media, held as part of the film’s presentation organized by the Western Australia Department of Tourism.

“I think at this age I probably shouldn’t look back with any regrets,” Daniel said. – I think there is absolutely no need to consider anything as a loss – no, these are all lessons I have learned. Of course, I would like to have more wins during my career, but then I would probably be bored with wins, and I wouldn’t rate them as highly.

I wouldn’t change anything. As long as I continue to grow professionally and get better through experience, I have nothing to worry about.

A year ago at this time I didn’t really know what I really wanted. My whole life was about racing, I gave everything to motorsport, so at that moment I wasn’t sure what I would do. I wondered if it was time to make a change?

Naturally, I asked myself questions like, “Will I feel like it’s time to leave?” In the first half of the year I understood a lot about myself, discovered what I wanted and how I wanted to pursue my career.

All this really inspired me, I found a second wind – I hoped this would happen, but I didn’t force things. So now that all this has happened and it’s officially confirmed that I have something to do next year, I feel young again and hungry for success.

I’m very happy that I have a contract for next year!”

Currently Ricciardo is still recovering from a left hand injury suffered during the Zandvoort race weekend, and will most likely return to the wheel of an AlphaTauri car during the American leg of the season in Austin. And at the Qatar Grand Prix, Daniel will be replaced by Liam Lawson, reserve driver for both Red Bull teams, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.