One Incident Involving “God” Michael Schumacher Changed Daniel Ricciardo’s Life Forever: “I Grew a Lot…”

Michael Schumacher left a massive influence on Daniel Ricciardo, like many other drivers, who raced in his era. Ricciardo remembered Michael on the occasion of the GOAT’s birthday week. He recalled an incident when they were both battling each other and what Schumacher later told him gave him a massive confidence boost.

Ever since Michael’s horrific skiing incident in the Alps in 2013, not much has come out to the public about his health. We have seen his son and Mercedes’ third driver Mick post heartfelt messages for his father. However, his current condition, at least for the fans, remains shrouded in mystery.

Daniel Ricciardo remembers the epic battle with Michael Schumacher

Back in 2012, Daniel Ricciardo raced for Toro Rosso. The Japanese GP that year was one of 6 occasions when he scored points. That was also the race where he successfully defended against Michael Schumacher.

Speaking with Speedcafe about the 2012 Japanese GP, Ricciardo said, “I defended against Schumacher during the last part of the race and won the point in tenth. It was more like…yeah, I was still intimidated by him at that point. I thought, ‘He is God’. When he caught up with me, if there was live betting, I wouldn’t have bet on myself that I was going to hold him for the next ten laps. The fact that I did that and the level of comfort I felt defending him surprised me with my running ability.” [Translated using Google]

“After that, I grew a lot in my confidence level, it was a very important race for me, which is not talked about because I finished tenth. Particularly, it was something big. He congratulated me in the next race for defending during the drivers’ parade. I remember him coming over and saying, “Nice job on defense last week.” For me, to have confirmation from someone like him, at my age and at that point in my career, was huge. Maybe he doesn’t know it, but he boosted my confidence.”

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It has been 9 years since Michael’s accident. As the news of the incident broke, the entire sporting world came to a standstill. While it was a piece of difficult news for his fans, it was gut-wrenching for his wife and family.

Former Ferrari TP Jean Todt recalls the most powerful moment he shared with Michael

Ferrari was going through a rough patch when Schumacher arrived. They hadn’t won a single trophy since 1979 and the legend ended that title drought himself in Suzuka.

Remembering sharing the podium with Schumacher in a recent interview in Paris, Jean Todt said, “We miss Michael. he fights This fight goes on. Michael is a very special person, also for motorsport. He means a lot to me, he’s my friend. I said to Michael on the podium, Michael, our lives will never be the same again. That was the most powerful moment of my career, up there with him on the podium at Suzuka.”

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Michael was truly a generational talent in F1. There will never be another him for many years to come. Here’s hoping he gets well soon.