25 December 2023 , 10:30
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Daniel Ricciardo loves being back in Formula 1 - and that the sport is getting its time in the sun.
F1 is more popular than ever thanks mainly to the success of Netflix's Drive to Survive show, which became a hit during lockdown and attracted a new generation of fans on a global scale. And affable Aussie Ricciardo, 34, has become a household name thanks to his starring role.
The top teams were hesitant to take part in the behind-the-scenes documentary are first. While Mercedes and Ferrari didn't immediately engage, Red Bull were happy to play a big role in the first season and so Ricciardo, in reality, was the star of the show.
He's loved by millions around the world now, and still can't quite believe it. "I knew within the four walls of F1 that my personality would probably help me to be a fan favourite," the AlphaTauri driver told Mirror Sport with his trademark smile.
"But I never thought it would extend into pop culture or the wider world. That's definitely a big thing that I gained from Netflix. It's pretty crazy, but I do like it - I do like the attention."
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F1 has always been popular but, until very recently, would still have been regarded by many as a niche sport. Not any more - in the US market especially, where the sport has historically struggled to get a foothold, growth has been off the charts.
The result is three races per year in the country, thanks to the addition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix showpiece this year. The event did not go off without a hitch and suffered a calamitous first day, but the main race was as spectacular as billed and it may yet become a new fan favourite given time and refinement.
Ricciardo loves the US and is delighted to have an excuse to spend an extra week there every year. But, more than anything, he just loves that his profession is being taken more seriously than ever before.
He said: "Our sport is really now well respected. I used to hate that when I was younger people would be like, 'Oh, you race cars, you just sit and drive, that's not a sport'. But now other athletes, including ones that I admire, are looking at us and going, 'S**t, what you guys do is pretty amazing'.
"I think just the fact our sport has this love and recognition is the part that makes me the most happy. If it means meeting some of my idols because of it then that's a bonus!"