Ricciardo: “Working with Vettel made me grow”

What we know about him above all is the smile he shows to the world with pride even when others would have their nerves on edge. In the space of a few months Daniel Ricciardo he went from a dream or almost dream world championship in which he established himself as Mercedes' sole rival, to an average one peppered with technical problems that led him to have just 55 points after twelve races.

It's no mystery that so far your season has been characterized by the dispute with the Renault engineer from whom you expected greater support. What influence did he have on you personally?

It's difficult for a driver to get involved in issues that don't strictly concern competitions, so not much. In recent months I have only tried to give my best on the track and achieve good results

How do you stay motivated when plans don't go as planned?

You try to look at the positive and adapt your perspective to the situation. In the end we do a wonderful job, we travel the world and we get paid well, so even when things don't work out it's not that bad

What has been the most disappointing moment of 2015 so far? And the most exciting?

In general, I experience the worst whenever I am unable to express the potential I have. However, specifically I would say the Canadian GP. I was coming off a success in 2014 and had high expectations and instead I only finished thirteenth and lapped, which annoyed me a lot. As far as the best event is concerned, I would choose Budapest both for the race itself and for the podium and the sensations felt given that it happened a few days after Bianchi's death.

For a championship you worked side by side with a four-time world champion like Vettel. Did he help you with your growth process?

In a certain way, yes. Being able to beat him on a few occasions helped strengthen my name and then it taught me how to move within the team, how to relate to the engineers and what to do. It was a fantastic time! In particular, I was struck by discovering how normal a boy he was despite having won a lot!

What do you remember about your first steps in the paddock when you arrived in F1?

I was afraid. Everyone seemed to come from another world, but I quickly got used to them. I understood that ultimately we were there to give vent to our passion and have fun

At the end of October, after twenty years of absence, the Circus will return to Mexico. What did you think of the test?

The circuit should have a long straight useful for overtaking and a stadium where I imagine there will be a large turnout of the public. Beyond the sporting aspect, I expect to experience a party weekend. Great atmosphere and wild fans.

Finally, how do you see yourself in 2016?

To fight for individual victories and for the championship

Chiara Rainis