Daniel Ricciardo Sees His Own ‘Immature’ Self in Emma Raducanu

Last week, British teenager Emma Raducanu scripted history at the US Open. At just 18 years of age, she won her maiden Grand Slam title amidst some of the toughest competitors in tennis today.

Raducanu’s success earned her praise from all corners of the world. Among those who stayed up late at night to watch her victory was McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, who had kind words for the Briton.

Daniel Ricciardo praises Emma Raducanu following US Open victory

While Raducanu’s US Open victory impressed many, the manner in which she achieved it impressed even more. Although she reached the main draw as a qualifier, she didn’t drop a single set in any of her matches in New York.

The fact that Raducanu is an F1 fan is no secret. Prior to the US Open, she attended the British Grand Prix, and took part in a few hot laps with Pirelli in a McLaren 720S. In addition, she mentioned Ricciardo as her favorite driver in the sport.

While congratulating the Briton for her success, Ricciardo admitted how her maturity stood out for him. “I love nearly all sports and it’s impressive to see youth perform at such a high level and be able to absorb the pressure, the emotion,” said the 32-year-old.

“I can relate, because when I was 18 years old, I was still a baby, I was still pretty immature. So to put yourself in her shoes and be on that stage and not be fazed by it, I think so many people are just in awe of that. She has done it very gracefully as well, and done it with a smile, and that’s really warming to people.”

WATCH STORY: From Serena Williams to Chris Hemsworth: Celebrities Lured by the Glitz and Glamor of Monaco

Ricciardo admits to experiencing a familiar feeling in Monza

Although Ricciardo claimed a stunning victory in Monza, it was his first since the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix. Despite that gap, the Honey Badger admitted leading the race gave him a familiar feeling.

He said, “It had been a while, but so much of it was a familiar feeling. That was the most rewarding part, that it didn’t feel forgotten. I felt calm throughout and I was just excited to be leading a race again and to be in that position.”

With a stunning display of skill, Ricciardo ended McLaren‘s nine-year race win drought in Monza. And with seven races to go, he will hope this is the sign of better things to come in his debut season with the British outfit.

READ MORE: Who Is Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren F1 Race Engineer – Tom Stallard?