A Formula 1 driver never forgets his first victory… if it ever happens, of course. Daniel Ricciardo is one of 114 drivers to have won a Grand Prix. And one of the six to have experienced his first triumph in Montreal. Ten years have passed since then, but he remembers “everything”.
It was in 2014. The young 24-year-old Daniel was taking part in his first season with Red Bull. When he arrived in Canada, he had already reached the third step of the podium twice.
Party 6e on the grid in Montreal, he slowly climbed the slope until crossing the finish line in front of everyone. Euphoria.
“I remember the qualifications, the debrief. Honestly, I have the impression that it happened not that long ago,” recalled Ricciardo with the enthusiasm he is known for, Thursday morning, in the paddocks of the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit.
The feeling when I crossed the finish line… It was a relief because for a long time, you believe in your abilities to get there. When you finally do, it’s a relief.
Daniel Ricciardo
Given that Felipe Massa had hit the wall on the final lap, Ricciardo refrained from celebrating too much until he knew if the driver was doing well. Once he did, the emotions overwhelmed him. And the celebrations lived up to the moment.
“All our flights were canceled… Or rather, we canceled our flights,” he said, smiling broadly. “We stayed here on Sunday evening and enjoyed a lovely evening. »
Obviously the party lasted a long time.
“Where we stayed, there was a roof terrace,” said the 34-year-old pilot. The whole team went and we cleared the bar. After that, some people moved to other clubs, but it ended there for me. I think by now it was 3 a.m. and my adrenaline reserve had been drained. »
Slack period
A lot has happened in Daniel Ricciardo’s career since that pivotal moment. Including Red Bull, where he spent five seasons, he played for three teams before joining AlphaTauri – now Visa Cash App RB – mid-season last year.
For several years, Ricciardo has been a favorite of the Formula 1 crowd from one end of the globe to the other. His charismatic and warm personality, highlighted in the documentary series Drive to Survivehas a lot to do with it.
On the track, however, his performance took a hit. His last victory – and his last podium – dates back to 2021, at Monza. With only 5 points, all won during the Miami sprint race, he is currently 14e rank of pilots. His teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, has 19 points.
Ricciardo’s contract ends at the end of the season. If he had hoped to return to Red Bull’s main team, those hopes were dashed last week, when the reigning champion manufacturer announced the return of Sergio Pérez for the next two seasons.
“I hold myself responsible for not having done something spectacular yet,” the Australian said on Thursday. “When you’re trying to fight for a seat at the top, you have to do some pretty spectacular things. I’m not saying it’s never going to happen, it’s still a place I’d like to end my career, but obviously it’s not going to happen in the short term. »
“I don’t think that means I won’t have a chance. Personally, I had good results in Miami, but the rest of the season didn’t really go according to what I expected of myself. I want my season to go better than this, so that it helps me get opportunities. »
The Australian’s priority is now to sign a new agreement with RB, which still has no driver for 2025. Here too, to achieve this, he will have to improve his performance.
A specific point to work on?
“More right pedal and less left pedal? » he said, laughing.
More seriously, the pilot spoke about the importance of being more consistent, regardless of his mood or the conditions. He also wants to better manage everything that happens off the track. So, once you get in the car, there are “no questions, no doubts, no worries.”
“I think I can be more consistent going forward, because I’ve done it before. »
Nothing better than starting this new resolution where he won his first Grand Prix ten years ago. Here in Montreal.