Never before in this 2021 domain established by Mercedes on the world of Formula 1 with the advent of the hybrid era was – and still is – in the balance. The Anglo-German team in fact in 2014 began to triumph with the introduction of the new hybrid V6 power units and has never stopped: seven drivers’ titles and as many consecutive manufacturers have arrived. Now it is Red Bull, with Max Verstappen, to try to put an end to this streak. In that first season of the new era of the Circus, however, it was always the Milton Keynes team that represented the main thorn in the side for Mercedes. Trying to break the eggs in the Hamilton-Rosberg duo’s basket, however, was not, as could be expected, the then four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, but his new teammate, Daniel Ricciardo.
The Australian ex Toro Rosso, in what was supposed to be an apprenticeship season, arrived third in the drivers’ standings at the end of the year. He was also the only non-Mercedes driver to win GPs in 2014, winning three races: Canada, Hungary and Belgium. Paradoxically, to date, that is still the best season of Ricciardo’s career. Interviewed in an episode of the official F1 podcast – Beyond The Grid – the Perth native is back on talking about that particular vintage. “I think for me to win three races, when Mercedes was so fast, makes me believe that with the same car I was the driver to beat that yearor. I don’t mean I’m better than – who won that year? – Lewis. There was a time when I was more bitter. I thought ‘I should already have a title by now. This sucks. Why don’t I have it? ‘“.
Over the years, however, the last winner of the Italian GP explained that he had changed, at least partially, his vision of things. “I’ve probably matured. Now I don’t think so anymore – concluded Ricciardo – I’m still here because I believe I can win a title and I want to win it. However I am at peace with everything that happens. As long as I go out and leave everything I have on the track, I feel satisfied “.
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