The bittersweet advice this F1 legend gave Ricciardo: 'What is this?'
F1 News
The recently axed Daniel Ricciardo has revealed that Formula 1 Legend Sir Jackie Stewart warned him that Formula 1 wouldn't always be easy. The Australian took eight victories and 32 podiums during his time in the sport, and during his first season at Red Bull in 2014, Stewart gave him some invaluable advice that he'd never forget. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during the race weekend in Singapore, Ricciardo revealed what the Legendary Scotsman told him.
When Ricciardo joined Red Bull Racing in 2014, he was immediately impressive. He beat his teammate, Sebastian Vettel, who ran away with the world title in the previous four seasons. 'The Honey Badger' also won three races in Canada, Hungary and Belgium in the same year.
Ricciardo was warned by Sir Jackie Stewart.
Despite his positive start to life at Red Bull, three-time F1 world champion Jackie Stewart warned Ricciardo that Formula 1 isn't always that easy. “I remember it was here in 2014 – that was my breakthrough year, and Sir Jackie Stewart called me in the lobby, and I remember he said something to me,” Ricciardo explained. “He goes, Look, if you ever want to talk, let me know because it won’t always be as easy as it seems.
"Yeah, I didn’t win the championship that year, but everything just felt easy – I’m exaggerating, obviously not easy. So when he told me, I was like, I’m good, what are you talking about? I’m not struggling, and I’m not intimidated by anyone, what is this?"
Ricciardo: 'I immediately realised what he was talking about'
Stewart's advice hit home soon after their conversation, as he explains. “Even the following year, 2015, it was a tough year, and I immediately realised what he was talking about,” he continued. In 2015, the Australian finished on the podium just twice. “I think [the best approach is to] never get too high, try not to get too low and just try to ride the wave. Yeah, just keep your feet on the ground.” Ricciardo concluded.
The past few years have also been full of ups and downs for Ricciardo. After a forced departure from McLaren, the eight-time race winner was offered the chance to drive for AlphaTauri [now Visa Cash App RB]. It was announced after the Singapore Grand Prix that Liam Lawson would instead finish the season in place of the 257-time Grand Prix starter.
This article was written in collaboration with Cas van de Kleut
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6 October 2024
