Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about the refreshed mindset he has adopted as Formula 1 returns to action during the 2023 campaign, making it clear that racing is the „priority” going forward.
Ricciardo started on the sidelines last year after parting ways with McLaren and returning to Red Bull in a third driver role, but AlphaTauri was drafted in mid-season to replace the struggling Nyck de Vries.
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It's a welcome return to the hot seat for the Australian, whose trademark smile and bubbly personality – whether strolling through the paddock, during media duties or on talk shows around the world – have made him a hit with fans over the years. .
But with his comeback developing, Ricciardo has been asked about the importance of being seen purely as a racing driver this time and less as an entertainer – prompting the Australian to outline a revised approach.
„I've definitely cut back on a lot of things, of course, let's just say outside of racing,” he said. “I still have a few interests outside of sports that I'm involved in and that I enjoy, but I've cut back a lot.
„I'm really trying, I think, to make sure… I think it always has been, but obviously to make racing a priority. Now with the calendar and the schedule, if I get some time, I'm in the gym or getting my legs up and recovering for the next race. I'm coming
The eight-time grand prix winner continued: “I think I prioritize certain things outside of this job. Especially the way the game is growing, it's easy to get a little bit – I don't even want to say lost – but there's a lot going on.
„There's so many things you can do. It's so exciting and so much fun, and I… I love those things, of course, it's obviously a new experience and it's great.
„But with the holidays at the beginning of the year, I realize that sometimes I'm doing too much and maybe not prioritizing myself in terms of my body and my recovery and all that. So, in a long way of saying that, try to focus on that.
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Ricciardo will continue with Yuki Tsunoda at Alfadauri for the 2024 season, having scored six points from seven Grands Prix last year – a crash that left him with a wrist injury that ruled him out of five races.
That haul helped Alfadouri finish eighth in the constructors' standings, just behind Williams and ahead of Alfa Romeo and Haas.
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”