Q&A with Daniel Ricciardo

New team, new rules, new car – how big a challenge is this season going to be for you?

I think the season ahead is going to be very challenging, but very exciting. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a few months now that’s for sure; my whole life in a way as well. For me it’s another big step in my career, with all the rule changes you know for the team as well, it’s exploring new ground, so it’s challenging for everyone, but I’m sure we’re all ready and excited.

With the rule changes for this year, is now a good time to be changing teams?

It’s a good time to change team and come in with all the other changes happening in F1 in 2014, I think it’s going to level things out and give me the best chance possible to shine I hope!

You’re racing alongside a four-time world champion. How do you feel about that?

I’m really excited to be alongside Sebastian this year; he’s achieved so much in so little time as well. To be a four time World Champion, no matter on the circumstance or how long he’s been doing it is an amazing thing and I have a lot of respect for that and a lot of respect for him. I’m hoping to learn as much as I can and hopefully challenging him of course; I want to try and get some success but to do that I firstly have to respect him and then go forward from there.

You are Sebastian are both Red Bull athletes and were part of the Junior Programme, how well do you know him?

Seb and I were both part of the Red Bull Junior Team. We came up from a pretty young age in the Red Bull programme and through that we spent some time together, even a little bit before F1. We’ve done a few dinners and functions here and there, but I’m sure we’ll get to know each other better this year.

Please tell us about the honey badger on your crash helmet and why it’s there.

It’s an animal I discovered a few years ago and it’s supposed to be the most fearless animal in the animal kingdom. When you look at it, he seems quite cute and cuddly, but as soon as it wants something or someone crosses his territory in a way he doesn’t like, he turns into a bit of a savage and he’ll go after anything – tigers, pythons – so he turns very quickly, but he’s a good guy.

Are you prepared for just how crazy things might get in Australia. Does the level of attention you might receive scare you at all?

I’m prepared and excited for Australia. It’s going to be like something I have never experienced before, being the sole Australian driver now and having moved up to the top team on the grid there’s going to be more attention around me. I’m aware of that and I just have to use it to my advantage; there will be a lot of positive energy and I have to surround myself with that and use it on track.

What are your expectations of your first season at the team?

Expectations is not a word I like to use that much, I think it can create a bit of an illusion, but for me I defiantly want to get the most out of myself this year so the way I see it is that instead of having expectations, I don’t want any regrets. I would like to finish this year with some victories - that would be great – but knowing that I put everything on the table – that’s my aim.

Why did you choose Number 3?

3 is the first number I was given when I started racing, so when I applied at my local kart club they sent back my license in the mail and the number 3 – and then it stayed with me all through karting.

How did it feel to see that car being built today?

Seeing all the team around the car being built today was an exciting moment. It gives me a few goose bumps, knowing that the car is now mine to use to my full potential this year, so that’s exciting and definitely a proud moment.

How excited are you on a scale of one to ten?

On a scale of 1 to 10 I’m very, very excited this year – so a 10!