Ricciardo addresses rumors: 'Part of me loves it'

Daniel Ricciardo is the driver in Formula 1 who is perhaps the most talked about at the moment. If that is because of good results, then nothing is better, but it is less fun when your position within your own team is under pressure because of lesser results. Ricciardo himself is not so bothered, he indicated in Azerbaijan.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently indicated that there are mechanisms that could be put in place to tear up Ricciardo's contract at the Woking formation early. Jacques Villeneuve stated that the Australian's time was up and, in all honesty, compatriot Alan Jones doesn't see it coming either.

Ricciardo is fairly relaxed about it. In his own words, the rumours don't bother him that much. "Part of me loves it. That’s the truth, because one thing I love about this sport... it’s probably trying to get to the top of something. You’re always going to be under the spotlight and there’s always going to be that attention, that pressure," he told the camera of Formula1.com.

Ricciardo must close the gap to Norris

The eight-time Grand Prix winner is still confident he can turn the tide. "“I have no doubts, so yes, it’s fun and I have no issue with people talking because I haven’t really done anything spectacular this year, so I know that it comes with the territory. But deep down, I still know what I’m capable of and I look forward to showing this – hopefully sooner rather than later," Ricciardo said.