Ricciardo reflects on pressure and criticism in the spotlight of F1

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Formula 1's Netflix darling Daniel Ricciardo is no stranger to the intense spotlight of the sport—even when it entails transitioning from being the sport's sensation to a driver sparking frustration among fans. Ricciardo's sluggish initiation to the season has become a talking point in the paddock, with the Australian struggling to match the performance of his RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda in the first five races.

Comfortably outperformed by Tsunoda, the narrative around the popular Australian's F1 comeback has shifted dramatically. Initial questions about his potential return to the main Red Bull team in 2025 have morphed into doubts regarding his future with RB team beyond this year.

According to reports, Ricciardo addressed his critics and the challenges he faced this season. "I'm sure a lot of people, my fans, F1 fans, whoever, have been saying 'f---ing hell Daniel, pull your finger out, what the f--- are you doing?' That's just part of this whole thing," Ricciardo admitted. He added, "I'm sure for a lot of them it comes out of a place of them caring and wanting me to do good. And then for some, they just have a negative opinion they won't change."

In a sport where seats on the 20-driver grid are scarce, Ricciardo's situation is compounded by the presence of Red Bull junior driver Liam Lawson waiting in the wings. Additionally, the impressive performances of other drivers, such as Carlos Sainz, highlight how swiftly public opinion in F1 can change.

"There was Sainz claiming an impressive win at the Australian Grand Prix two weeks after surgery. It was a remarkable feat, and suddenly the same people who were skeptical were impressed," Ricciardo pointed out. "But if he struggles in subsequent races, opinions swing back. It’s just how it is."

Ricciardo emphasized the importance of staying grounded amidst fluctuating opinions. "If you read everything, you start doubting yourself. But I have the confidence that if I perform well in a couple of races, the narrative will change."

In the cutthroat environment of Red Bull, renowned for its limited tolerance for underperforming drivers, Ricciardo’s fate hangs in the balance. Team boss Christian Horner has shown faith in Ricciardo's talent, backing him to bounce back this season despite recent struggles. Ricciardo’s optimism shines through even amid speculation about his future.

Following a frustrating home race in Australia, where reports suggested an ultimatum from Red Bull, Ricciardo remains focused on proving his worth. "I only care about what Christian, Helmut [Marko], Laurent [Mekies] and a couple of others think in the paddock," Ricciardo said. "They're the only ones who have all the data and know the answer."

American fandom and the drive to survive impact

Thanks to the global popularity surge driven by Netflix’s "Drive to Survive," Ricciardo's fame, especially in the U.S., has soared. The Buffalo Bills fan, who counts quarterback Josh Allen as a friend, has embraced the increased recognition stateside, where he enjoys the enthusiastic fanbase.

"America has embraced F1 in a unique way, and the support has been overwhelming," Ricciardo remarked. "I love how the sport’s grown in the States. If I had another life, I'd love to go to college and play football. This gives me a taste of that American spirit."

Despite the challenges, Ricciardo is determined to shift the narrative through strong performances, starting with the upcoming Miami Grand Prix. With a new chassis in hand and glimmers of improvement shown at the Chinese Grand Prix, Ricciardo aims to convert potential into points and silence the doubters. The journey continues, with the ever-optimistic Ricciardo poised to make his mark once again.

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