Ricciardo: I sincerely believe I can succeed

For some reason, Australian racers usually have bad luck at their home track. Even when Daniel Ricciardo reached the podium in his first race for Red Bull Racing in Melbourne in 2014, he was disqualified after the finish because his car did not meet the requirements of the technical regulations.

Although of course he dreams of achieving success at Albert Park in front of the Australian fans.

Daniel Ricciardo: “Last year during the Australian race weekend I stood on the pit wall and watched with envy the cars coming out of the pits onto the track. You could say that it already seemed to me then that I wanted to race again, but of all the races in which I was a reserve driver, this feeling was strongest in Melbourne.

Actually, I was on stage here ten years ago. Let’s see how it goes this time. Of course, every driver dreams of being on the podium at his home circuit. This would be ideal, but I think we will only succeed if the race goes something like last year (then the Australian Grand Prix was rich in incidents, interrupted several times by the appearance of the safety car, but also by red flags, and then only 12 cars crossed the finish line). In any case, we will do everything in our power.”

Daniel was also asked about the likelihood of his move to Red Bull Racing, which he obviously wants, but he made it clear that he is not thinking about it yet: “I don’t pay attention to this kind of talk. I know what position I currently hold in the team, I understand how everything could theoretically turn out if I achieve excellent success.

But this is a typical situation that can affect any driver, because if you perform well, it always helps to strengthen your position in the team. Our goal is always to achieve the highest possible result. So now my job is to drive the Visa RB car as best I can, but when I get behind the wheel I’m not thinking about the distant future, that’s for sure.

I am not thinking about a place at Red Bull Racing, although I know that if I achieve good results, the opportunity to move to this team will present itself. Now I see each phase of the championship separately, because the more you think about certain theoretical perspectives, the more it will distract you from your work.

Of course the first two races of the season didn’t go well, but I’m not too worried about that. It’s only two races out of 24, but of course I want to do well this weekend. It is clear that when your company is doing well, everyone talks positively about you, and when things are going poorly, the tone of the conversations is no longer so positive. This is also part of our job, but the more races I do, the clearer I understand my place in Formula 1, and I sincerely believe I can achieve success.”