Can Ricciardo become the next champion?

Can Ricciardo become the next champion?

19 June 2014

So far this season, Daniel Ricciardo has exceeded expectations on the track, but according to Red Bull Formula 1 tech boss, Adrian Newey, it’s his attitude in the car that has impressed him the most. The right attitude is vital in F1 as being calm and collected can turn you into a winner. This season, Ricciardo’s calmness under pressure has already been a massive help, allowing him to grab his opportunity in Canada.

At first there were questions asked when Red Bull chose him as Sebastian Vettel’s teammate, but the start of this season has shown that he fully deserved that position. It is clear that he has been a massively impressive addition to the Red Bull F1 team and he has driven faultlessly all season. The Australian is now currently third in the F1 drivers’ standings behind Rosberg and Hamilton which puts him two places and 19 points ahead of Vettel. Ricciardo’s success has been a surprise to many considering that a year ago his future was far from certain. Regardless of the fact that Ricciardo had a strong end to the 2012 season and some promising early performances, he suffered poor Monaco and Canadian Grand Prix weekends and was out performed on both occasions by Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne. However, Edd Straw has explained how he believes that the Australian found his new success by learning from the struggles he suffered last year and putting them into practice to win the Canadian GP. Now Ricciardo must hold off the hungry and frustrated Rosberg and Hamilton to race for success in upcoming Grand Prix weekends. With his calm head and his passing moves, it could be said that Ricciardo could well be the next champion. Will Mercedes hold off Ricciardo or will Ricciardo manage to continue his racing success?