Daniel Ricciardo Fearful of Feeling Hollow at Monaco GP Amidst the Lack of Buzz

Monaco Grand Prix is known to be one of the most eventful race weekends in F1, with fans turning up at almost every corner of the 3.3 km-long circuit. Unfortunately, that might not be the case this time around, considering the strict COVID-19 restrictions being imposed. Hence, McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo isn’t too excited about the approaching weekend.

The Australian moreover reckoned that fans play a huge role in upping the energy in Monaco. However, with only 40% of fans allowed on the stands this season, the McLaren driver is quite wary of getting too excited only to end with disappointment.

What did Daniel Ricciardo say?

As reported by Motorsport, the Honey Badger believes that Monaco may not offer the chaos that it usually does in the build-up to the race weekend.

“I am so excited to go there. But I am also a little bit scared to not get too excited. Because it’s that atmosphere and it’s the whole aura of the boats and everyone. And people on the track at the end of the day drinking and partying,” Ricciardo said.

“I guess not having that, or to that level, will probably feel a little empty. But for the in-car stuff, I think we’ll be okay.”

Ricciardo claimed his first Monaco GP race victory in 2018 after the missed opportunity in 2016. Following the race, the Australian went on to embrace the pool celebration, as he jumped into the swimming pool with his Red Bull crew and celebrated his victory in a rather distinct way.

The track is still intense: Ricciardo

Despite the lack of the usual atmosphere, Ricciardo is assured that on-track racing will do its job in creating enough adrenaline throughout the weekend.

“The track itself is so intense that I think that will always be a 10 out of 10,” he said. “So the in-car stuff will still have those highs.”

It is yet again Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen who stand tall as the favorites over the weekend in Monaco. However, considering the margin for error is extremely low, it is likely that the weekend might spring up a surprise or two.

Moreover, with a strong history of results at Monaco in the backdrop, Ricciardo is one of the most successful drivers on the current grid. Hence, can the Australian grab onto what could be his first podium with McLaren? Only time will tell.

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