Early in his career, Daniel Ricciardo received advice from former world champion Jackie Stewart. The Australian admits that he didn’t immediately take the Flying Scot’s tips to heart, but in retrospect, Stewart was spot on about the trajectory of Ricciardo’s career.
Ricciardo transitioned from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2014, joining four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel as a teammate. Red Bull’s faith in the Australian was instantly rewarded as Ricciardo won three races that same year and secured a third place in the drivers’ championship. However, Stewart cautioned the Perth native not to get ahead of himself.
“I remember in 2014, my breakthrough year, Sir Jackie Stewart called me in the lobby,” Ricciardo recalls. “He said, ‘Look, if you ever want to talk, let me know, because it won’t always be as easy as it seems.’ He was preparing me for the lows, I was so euphoric then. Yes, I didn’t win the championship that year, but everything just felt easier.”
Ricciardo didn’t immediately heed the advice of the three-time world champion. “So when he told me, I was like, ‘I’m doing fine, what are you talking about? I’m not struggling, I’m not intimidated by anyone, what is this?'”
Stewart’s Advice
Stewart’s warning turned out to be prophetic, as Ricciardo had a worse year in 2015. The Australian didn’t win a single race and finished eighth in the championship. “I immediately understood what he was talking about (in 2015),” the Australian admits. “I think the best approach is never to get too high, try not to get too low, and just ride the wave. Just stay grounded.”
