Aussie Racing Sensation: Daniel Ricciardo

Red Bull racing F1 drive Daniel "The Man" Ricciardo continues to earn respect from F1 fans for his wheel-to-wheel racing, no-nonsense Aussie attitude, and that big smile. We catch up with him for a chat ahead of this month's Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

- Stewart Bell

HEY, DAN, HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THE SEASON SO FAR?

It’s not as good as last season, unfortunately, but I am still doing what I love doing. Obviously I would love to have had better results so far this year, but ultimately I’m still having fun so it’s not all too bad.

WHAT’S THE MOOD LIKE WITHIN THE TEAM? WE ASSUME EVERYONE’S ALREADY PUSHING FOR NEXT YEAR?

Yeah, they are. We’re all pretty determined to still get something out of this year to hopefully get up on the podium and get a little bit of success to take with us for next year. But, we’ve got our eyes set on 2016 and we’ll obviously try and make that a better year.

DO YOU STILL PINCH YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR DREAM START WITH RED BULL RACING?

I definitely knew, during last year, that it was a very successful season and that everything was going to plan. I certainly took it all in, and realised it as the season went on. I was pinching myself at some points last year, but now I just look back and it all makes sense. I think I put in the hard work, and everything worked out well. I was comfortable with the car as well. It was good.

​HOW HAVE YOU FELT ABOUT THE INTEREST IN YOU FROM OTHER TEAMS, LIKE FERRARI?

It’s sort of that time of the year when everyone’s throwing names around, and it’s nice being one of those names being thrown around. Whether it means I go somewhere else or not is sort of irrelevant, but it’s nice to be recognised and acknowledged. This year the results haven’t really shown for it — but obviously what I did last year, people don’t forget that, so it’s definitely nice.