Australian Grand Prix: Daniel Ricciardo in for a rough ride as he bids to take down Lewis Hamilton
Aussie spent off-season beefing up to prepare for this season’s new F1 cars which are more physical to drive
DANIEL RICCIARDO is in for a rough ride as he bids to take down Lewis Hamilton and claim the Formula One title.
The Aussie spent the off-season beefing up in the gym to prepare for this season’s new F1 cars which are more physical to drive — because of new rules on aerodynamics and larger tyres which provide more grip.
Red Bull ace Ricciardo, 27, finished third in the championship last season and is bidding to make a flying start in his homeland this Sunday.
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He said: “When you come to this sport you want to win every race but no one has ever done that. So you’ve got to expect to not always win every race.
“But that’s certainly my aim and my target is to be world champion. I’ll do what I can to make it happen this year.
“I’m not expecting it to happen but I’ll work hard and prepare for it to happen.
“Last year I didn’t win the title but I was still very happy with the year. I got my first pole and got back on the top step of the podium.
“For me to perform at my best, I think I’ll be happy — and I’ll be very happy with the title!”
Ricciardo’s team-mate Max Verstappen believes Ferrari could be the team to watch in Melbourne.
Verstappen said: “In the last few years, Ferrari have always been very quick in winter testing but it seems like they’ve built a really good car.
“I see them challenging Mercedes as well, so it will be very interesting to see.”