Ricciardo: 'When I heard about this option I was a little bit worried'

If the teams agree, it seems that the sprint races will be held during the races in Canada, Italy and Brazil. Yet Ricciardo was not immediately enthusiastic when he heard about the sprint races. “At first, I was a little apprehensive. But I do feel better at the thought of that, certainly, than a reverse grid,” the Australian told Motorsport.com.

Formula 1 victory not diluted

Ricciardo's biggest issue is the feeling of victory. According to him, it is and will remain a unique experience. “I think the biggest thing is I want an F1 win to still feel as big as what it should be. I don't ever want an F1 win to feel diluted, or just somewhat lower than what it should.”

Yet the current McLaren driver now sees it in a much more positive light. “Competition is obviously what I love most, so I would love to do more races and less practice or whatever. So it kind of does go towards probably what I want.”