Ricciardo admits: “It was all me me me - at times, too selfish”

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted his attitude was “me me me” five years ago - but says all young drivers are similar.
Ricciardo admits: “It was all me me me - at times, too selfish”

Veteran driver Ricciardo rejoined Red Bull this season but in a vastly different role, as their third driver, a job that requires him to fade into the background.

It has enabled him to look back at previous mind-sets that he had, earlier in his career.

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“I come at it from a different point of view now,” he said to The Athletic

“Even looking back at 2018 … it was just all about me, me, me. 

“In all these young drivers, I see it. That’s just how we are.

“At times, I reacted a little too selfishly to a bad weekend. 

“Now, I’m back with the team, but I’d say it’s a very selfless role.

“I’ve got no hidden agenda. There’s no ego. I’m not too proud. I’m trying to build myself back up.”

Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren at a team photograph. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 22, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) McLaren at a team photograph. Formula 1 World…

The final year of Ricciardo’s deal with McLaren was terminated, leaving him without a drive for 2023.

He had initial interest from teams such as Haas, but instead opted not to take a full-time role.

Ricciardo admitted he required time away from F1 after two bruising years with McLaren.

“I was just not a good person at times to be around,” he says of his time at McLaren now.

But he harbours hopes of returning to a full-time F1 drive.

“I’ve never won a world championship,” Ricciardo said. 

“But for a big part of my career, I was at least fighting for wins or podiums. I always considered myself as good, if not better, than everyone else.

“Deep down, I know I’m not done.”

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