Daniel Ricciardo has been one of the most loved drivers of the sport because of his easy personality, jokes, and obviously, great defensive skills. However, does the Aussie love the sport as much? Ricciardo reveals that Formula 1 is not the last thing he thinks about when he sleeps at night, but a more fun alternative to his league in motorsport.

Sitting down for the Gypsy Tales podcast, the Supercross and Motorcross fan revealed where his true passions lie. “People probably think I go to sleep every night thinking about a Formula 1 track; no, I’m thinking about ramps, 110 tracks, whatever it is. That’s what I’m going to be thinking about.”

Ricciardo states that although F1 was his calling, his fascination lies in two wheels. “I kinda fell into the four wheels. I think if I had the choice as a kid, maybe I would have chose two wheels, I’m not saying I would’ve made it on two wheels but if my mom said yes to two wheels, perhaps that’s what I would’ve gone for.”

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The McLaren star reaffirms his love for the sport he is in, yet the sounds of the bikes beckon him.“It’s funny, I’ve made it out to four wheels now, and I love it to bits. But, my passion for two wheels is just as high; higher, because it is something I’ve never done, and it’s something I’d obviously love to do more and get better at.”

The life of being a biker was deeply influenced by his taste in music; it was the culture that appealed to him: “If I want to be a cool kid, this has my name written on it.” Karting was more professional to the Honey Badger. “A bit more straight down the line.”

Daniel Ricciardo reflects on the tedium of F1

In the podcast, Ricciardo reflects how now, almost over a decade into the sport, the thrills of sitting behind an F1 car are not the same. While the speed, and the thrill of winning remain, they are too few and increasingly spaced out.

“Over the years, the more I’ve been in the sport, the excitement to just go and around practice, to drive laps on my own, I would definitely rather do other things like ride bikes with my mates because that’s kind of just going through the motions… its work.”

However, amid the work, Sundays still contain their ecstasy. “Race days for me, that’s the funniest time. It’s competition.” Although, Ricciardo’s idea of fun isn’t limited to the number of wheels on the machine he’s driving- it’s about having his friends around to share the experience with.

Ricciardo has had his time on bikes, and has been good at it, but can one fathom Formula 1 without the iconic moments like Monaco 2018, Baku 2017, and of course, Monza 2021? While F1 remains Ricciardo’s professional side, maybe one day we’d see the Aussie stunt around on two wheels.

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