Daniel Ricciardo: “I can’t really see myself anywhere else” but at Red Bull

During the press conference prior to the Spanish Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo addressed several important topics, ranging from the mental challenge of career decisions to his team’s goals for the season.

Asked about the mental anguish linked to future decisions for his future in F1, the Australian shared his experience: « Yes, it’s difficult. It’s difficult because, as Carlos mentioned, there isn’t really just one factor behind a decision. There are so many… It can be very exhausting. Of course, you have to dedicate the necessary time because it’s your future and your career, and obviously something you work very hard for. But as he said, at some point, you just want to make the decision and move on. »

Regarding his collaboration with Yuki Tsunoda, his teammate for almost six months, Daniel Ricciardo expressed great satisfaction. It’s always difficult, especially when you have a new teammate… Obviously, I did a few races with Yuki last year, but at this stage, you can’t underestimate anyone. I’ve been in this sport long enough to know that. He added that Tsunoda was having a great year and that their aligned feedbacks had helped the team progress. I think we have gotten a lot closer now. So I think that probably also helped to give a clear direction to the team. We both obviously push in the same direction.

Challenge Aston Martin in Barcelona

For this weekend in Barcelona, Ricciardo is optimistic about the technical updates brought by his team. « We are expecting an improvement, yes. But compared to others, that’s what we have to wait and see. In general, Barcelona is a track where everyone arrives with updates. I don’t know yet if everyone is bringing updates, but in the past, it’s really the beginning of the European season, where everyone brings their best efforts.

The goal of challenging Aston Martin is also on Ricciardo’s radar. « That’s the goal. Of course, in Canada, they passed us in the race and had a bit more than us on Sunday, but I think we have been much closer to them this year than we thought. » He adds that the team always aims higher and hopes that the updates will bring them even closer to their rivals.

Finally, regarding his future in F1, Daniel Ricciardo expressed his desire to stay within the Red Bull family. “Obviously, I would like to stay. So, as I said, now that I am back in this Red Bull family, that’s where… I really don’t see myself anywhere else. So that’s where I would like to stay and continue.” However, he insists on the importance of deserving his place: “I obviously want to be here because I know I still belong here and I can deliver performances like the one I did last week. So, it’s also up to me to ensure that I can continue to do so.”