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Daniel Ricciardo brought a unique sense of joy, humour, and determination to Formula 1, clinching eight Grand Prix victories during stints with Red Bull and McLaren. Two years after his departure from the sport, the Australian driver recently shared insights into his career and relived his greatest highlights in an exclusive interview with Latest F1 News (formula1.com).
Ricciardo’s First Victory
In his debut season with Red Bull during the 2014 Canadian Grand Prix, Ricciardo secured his maiden win after starting sixth on the grid and benefiting from Lewis Hamilton’s retirement. Decisive overtakes on Sergio Perez and Nico Rosberg in the closing laps sealed the triumph, leaving him with a shocked reaction over the team radio. Reflecting on the moment, he noted that winning represents the highest high in the sport aside from claiming a World Championship, adding that he once fixedate heavily on titles before realizing how special those individual moments were.
Monaco Heartbreak and Redemption
Ricciardo established a strong reputation at Monaco, claiming his maiden pole position there in 2016 during a period when he felt entirely untouchable and confident on the street circuit. However, victory slipped away during a wet race when a pit stop mix-up left Red Bull without the correct tyres ready, forcing him to wait and handing the lead to Hamilton, who finished 7.252 seconds ahead. Ricciardo admitted the chaotic strategy error felt like one of his worst days in F1, noting that the team forgot basic control.
Two seasons later in 2018, Ricciardo earned redemption by winning the Monaco Grand Prix from pole position despite suffering a severe power loss and driving with a wounded car restricted to six gears. He admitted the heavy pressure and lack of sleep made him anxious and eager for the race to finish. Following the victory, he chose to celebrate with a belly flop into the Red Bull swimming pool inspired by the film Me, Myself and Irene, comparing its popularity to his signature shoey celebration.
The Rise of the Shoey and McLaren Glory
Ricciardo introduced the shoey—drinking champagne from his racing boot—and other lighthearted antics to counteract the serious and stiff atmosphere he observed in the paddock. He explained that these gestures helped him become relatable and reminded everyone that the sport could still be fun despite the heavy business and financial pressures involved. Alongside drivers like Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and actor Sir Patrick Stewart who joined in, he emphasized that strong results were always required to back up the fun.
After leaving Red Bull in 2018 and racing for Renault, Ricciardo claimed his final career victory with McLaren at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. Passing former teammate Verstappen at the start and holding off Lando Norris, he delivered Woking’s first victory in nine years. He confessed that he had questioned his abilities during a difficult low point months prior, making the relief of winning with a second team a deeply proud and collaborative achievement shared with the entire factory and pit crew.
Fans can watch the full exclusive interview by heading to the F1 YouTube channel.
