Breaking news
Formula 1
Ricciardo changed by 2015 "low" point at Red Bull
Daniel Ricciardo has revealed that he was at “such a low” and changed as a person during the 2015 Formula 1 season because of off-track factors, including Jules Bianchi’s death.
Scott Mitchell
Published: Dec 10, 2018, 9:25 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
Speaking on a special farewell Red Bull podcast after the 2018 season, his last with the team before switching to Renault next year, Ricciardo picked out 2015 as one of his most significant memories.
Having come to prominence in 2014 by winning three races in his first season with Red Bull and besting four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel, Ricciardo suffered a tougher sophomore campaign.
He was beaten by new teammate Daniil Kvyat in the points and scored just two podiums all season, with the first of those coming at the Hungarian Grand Prix just days following Bianchi's death nine months after his crash in the 2014 Japanese GP.
“A lot happened in 2015, more on a personal level, with life,” said Ricciardo.
“Jules’ passing affected me more than I ever would have thought and I had a few other things going on in my life at that time that in a way shaped me into this next version of who I am.
“The first race back was Budapest and that was my first podium that year, a double podium for the team, and I remember the whole weekend was very emotional.
“To get a podium there felt massive, it was a huge relief and a moment of gratitude.
“That was really important. In 2015, that was a really big high to come off such a low.”
Ricciardo returned to winning ways the following year and 2015 remains the only one of his five seasons with Red Bull in which the Aussie did not score a victory.
He leaves the team with seven wins and 29 podiums from 100 starts, although the 2018 season was bittersweet for the 29-year-old as poor reliability dogged his entire campaign.
Ricciardo revealed he had more off-track distractions again this year but believes he will be stronger because of that.
“I thought 2015 was challenging, on and off-track, but this year the on-track stuff’s been more challenging than ever,” said Ricciardo.
“Also just other things, a lot of people have been trying to help, [I’ve been] just trying to figure out who is really trying to help and who is not.
“There’s just been a lot of other stuff.
“I know in the long-term, and my good friends around me tell me this, it’s all part of the story and it’s going to shape a beautiful ending one day.
“It sucks for the time being, but I believe that.”
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Williams admits team needs Kubica's "fighting spirit"
Next article Sainz not expecting Toro Rosso rivalry repeat at McLaren
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Scott Mitchell
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Formula 1
Formula 1
Alfa Romeo must do better in "chaotic" races - Vasseur
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Formula 1
Formula 1
Honda: Verstappen relationship 'like a young Senna'
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
Formula 1
Formula 1
Key team personnel shouldn't be F1 boss - Ferrari
More from
Daniel Ricciardo
Why Daniel Ricciardo would consider a comeback at Le Mans
WEC
WEC
Why Daniel Ricciardo would consider a comeback at Le Mans
Does Daniel Ricciardo regret leaving Red Bull for Renault?
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Does Daniel Ricciardo regret leaving Red Bull for Renault?
Daniel Ricciardo shares heartfelt message after first Indy 500 visit brought back "childhood feelings"
Formula 1
Formula 1
Barcelona-Catalunya GP
Daniel Ricciardo shares heartfelt message after first Indy 500 visit brought back "childhood feelings"
More from
Red Bull Racing
Isack Hadjar blames himself for George Russell clash that “ruined” his Mexico GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
42 min
Isack Hadjar blames himself for George Russell clash that “ruined” his Mexico GP
Latest news
Toyota explains call to run Celica and Yaris models in WRC 2027
WRC
WRC WRC 7 min
Toyota explains call to run Celica and Yaris models in WRC 2027
Isack Hadjar blames himself for George Russell clash that “ruined” his Mexico GP
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
42 min
Isack Hadjar blames himself for George Russell clash that “ruined” his Mexico GP
Kimi Antonelli labels the "turning point" in F1 title-winning season
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
1 h
Kimi Antonelli labels the "turning point" in F1 title-winning season
Alex Marquez undergoes surgery on his right shoulder and begins recovery at home
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
1 h
Alex Marquez undergoes surgery on his right shoulder and begins recovery at home
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe