Daniel Ricciardo Makes an Emotional Revelation: “I’ve Been Selfish in Some Things for Quite a Few Years”

Daniel Ricciardo is a man whose personality has remained constant throughout his years in the sport. From his days at Red Bull to the trials of Renault and the crests and troughs in McLaren – there’s a man with a permanent smile on his face. Despite his amiable positivity, the Aussie admits to wanting to improve in a certain department.

In a recent interview with Esquire Middle East, Ricciardo explained how he is trying to be more selfless in a selfish sport. “I think anyone who’s really chasing a dream, or chasing—sorry if this is a cliched word—greatness, you do put yourself first and you shut things out, you shut out family, and you become engulfed in your own stuff.”

Although the driver admits that it’s a part of the sport, he is in search of balance. ” I think I’ve been selfish in some things for quite a few years. I’m consciously just trying not to be any more selfish that I need to be. I’ll use it for the competitiveness that I need, but I don’t want that to spill into my everyday life.”

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According to him, there is room for improvement in his life beyond the racetrack. “I want to be an affectionate, caring person. I want to make sure that I still show that with the people that are close to me in my life. That’s something I’m consciously trying to improve.”

Daniel Ricciardo reflects on his growth in F1

Having been in the sport for a little over a decade now, Daniel Ricciardo appreciates his growth on the track; however, it is his off-track journey that deserves the spotlight.

Crediting his new perspective on his age, the 32-year-old recognizes his maturity as a person. “10 years ago, Formula One was everything. Without Formula One, life didn’t exist. Now, there’s other things which hold a lot of value to me. I think they always have, but as you mature, you understand that those things are there, and they are as important.”

The Honey Badger explained that in the early stages of his career, it felt wrong to divert his attention from F1. However, now he looks at things differently. “you can have a healthy balance with all these things and still being successful. You know, I don’t think you have to shut everything out in your life.”

As Ricciardo betters himself as a person off the track, we await yet another glorious drive to the top of the podium from the Aussie. Despite the thought P3 battle ahead of him in the final three rounds of the championship; a lot is uncertain, but Ricciardo is sure to keep smiling.

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