Daniel Ricciardo talks about the 'icing on the cake' as an F1 driver

Daniel Ricciardo feels that once in a while, shutting down critics with performances can be the icing on the cake for a driver, even though its not the actual motivation. The Australian was recently the target of some harsh criticism by Jacques Villeneuve in Canada.

The Canadian questioned why Daniel Ricciardo was still in F1 even though, as he claimed, the driver has not performed at a decent level for a long time. Villeneuve also claimed that the driver was overrated during his stint in the sport.

Daniel Ricciardo didn't appreciate these comments and had a few choice words to say about the former F1 world champion. He also put together an impressive performace in Canada, ending the weekend with P8 in the race, scoring valuable championship points for his team.

In conversation with PlanetF1, Daniel Ricciardo was questioned about the instances where he has shut down critics in the past. The driver said that while such things are the icing on the cake, they don't serve as his motivation for racing in F1. The driver said that while from time to time such a thing plays to the competitive edge that drivers have, that's not the core reason for being in F1. He said,

“That’s the icing on the cake! As a competitor, we’ve all got that little bit of an edge about us where it is nice to shut some people up. But that’s the icing, it’s not the core reason why I’m doing this, because I don’t think that would be the right way to go about it. It’s just that self-fulfilment.”

Daniel Ricciardo on repaying the support he's had in his career

The Australian also specifically touched on the support he's had in his career, especially in the last few years. Daniel Ricciardo's stock in F1 nose-dived from the moment he joined McLaren. The driver didn't have the best results against Lando Norris and was booted out.

Coming into the 2024 F1 season, while he still has detractors and the uncertainty surrounding his future has not abated, the driver talked about how it was important to give back to people who are with him and support him. He said,

“Obviously, there are a lot of people around me who support me, care for me, and put a lot of work into helping me as well. So you also want to give them, give it back to them, ultimately, and enjoy those moments with the people who have been by your side. But it’s really just that inner competitor, it’s still there."

He added,

“I know, one day, it’ll probably diminish to some degree. But that day isn’t here yet. Even just seeing the Ferrari in my mirrors for the whole race and knowing that… I shouldn’t be in fourth place."

With rumors of Liam Lawson being lined up to replace Daniel Ricciardo, it remains to be seen how the driver reacts at the F1 Austrian GP and if we see him bouncing back at all.