Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo hoping to battle Verstappen for race wins

Published Mar. 23, 2017 3:02 p.m. ET

Adam Cooper

Daniel Ricciardo is expecting his battle with teammate Max Verstappen to go to another level this year now that the Dutchman is more experienced – and because the Red Bull RB13 could be a regular contender for race wins.

Although the team’s testing form was inconclusive, it is expected to be strong from the start of the season.

“Hopefully we’re fighting for victories, I think that would be something we would welcome,” he said in Melbourne. “He’s obviously fast. It’s his third year now and although he’s young, he’s no longer a rookie any more so I think we both carry a bit of experience.

“I think the team is excited to see how we go and I think everyone else is. They’re starting to hype it up a little bit. Hopefully it’s hyped up by the fact that we’re fighting at the front, that’s what we both want.”

Ricciardo believes that variety at the front of the field would be good for the sport.

“I think for everyone, it’s like when Red Bull were dominating a few years ago, everyone wanted to see someone else win. So it’s natural. People like change. And for us drivers not being in a Mercedes, we want to see change as well. I think even to have more cars fighting for a win, it makes it more exciting.

“I’ll let Lewis answer but I think if he wins a race against four of us as opposed to just maybe his teammate, I think that reward is bigger as well. So, I think if you can win against more, it’s not only good for the fans but that feeling of self-accomplishment is greater. We’ll see. Ferrari showed good pace in testing. If they can maybe take a few points away as well, it opens up the Championship over the long term.

Meanwhile, he’s enjoying the huge local support he receives at his home event.

“It’s not a weight on my shoulders. It means more work, for sure. This week is easily the busiest F1 week of the year for me. But it’s all positive support. It’s kind-of overwhelming actually. I’m surprised that so many people are getting behind me and the event but it’s obviously cool. It’s nice and encouraging to see. I hear that ticket sales and everything is up quite a chunk from last year. I try to enjoy it. I appreciate it won’t last for ever.

“It’s demanding, it’s a tiring week but it’s pretty cool to see so many people supportive of me and the event. I don’t see it as pressure in terms of, if I don’t win on Sunday, they’re all going to leave the track and say I’m hopeless and never come back. They want to see me do well and that’s how I see it. It’s just a bit of extra motivation for me and I think the drivers’ parade on Sunday I’ll see that and feel it and get me jacked-up for the race.”

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