Daniel Ricciardo reflects on the emotional toll of highs and lows of F1: 'A lot of days hurt'
Daniel Ricciardo has opened up on the emotional highs and painful lows of Formula 1, admitting that success is rare and many days in the sport "hurt"
Daniel Ricciardo, AlphaTauri
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has shed light on the highs and lows of the championship, explaining that there "are a lot of days that hurt".
The former Red Bull driver retired from F1 after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix when he was let go by Racing Bulls. Over 14 seasons, the Australian driver secured eight grand prix wins and 32 podium finishes in over 250 starts.
"I'm always a little bit hesitant to talk about the disappointments or the lows or the tough days because people see a lot of the good and yes, it gives you a lot as well," Ricciardo told Ford CEO Jim Farley.
"I don't want to dismiss that. But what goes up must come down. And there are a lot of days that hurt. There are a lot of days where you're frustrated and there's so much that's out of your control.
"I'll take accountability when I can, but there are days that just hurt and suck. I was one of the lucky ones. I was able to win races in Formula 1. I won eight races, but I entered over 250. So, I don't know what that works out in percentage, but it's a pretty low percentage of success rate."
He added: "So the really good days are few and far between, but there's something about it that just keeps bringing you back, and I think it makes the highs higher because you don't win every day."
While he opened up about the lows, Ricciardo also shed light on the high of winning a grand prix and being the best in the world in that moment.
Daniel Ricciardo Global Ford Racing Ambassador (1)
"I won't lie. It feels powerful. It's a weird thing. It's a weird power to have," he continued. "It's like a superpower for that moment in time. As you said, on that day, you were the best in the world at doing a single thing. And it's powerful.
"So, you're filled with this rush and this pride and this kind of almighty strength, but at the same time, as high as it is, it's also very grounding."
Following his F1 exit, Ricciardo has become a global ambassador for Ford Racing.
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