Daniel Ricciardo talks about his ‘breakthrough’ year
Australian Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo has won the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, after having won three Grand Prix for the Red Bull team.
He was the only driver in 2014 to win a Grand Prix, apart from the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, while even outperforming his teammate, four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
Said an overwhelmed Daniel on his award win: “It’s a proud moment in my career. The year was awesome, one of those years which I think was as good as it could get without actually winning a title. So I felt, like, every race weekend, I left knowing I had put everything on the track and didn’t really feel like I was underachieving anything. And obviously it came with a lot of podiums and the three victories. Definitely a breakthrough in my career!”
Looking back, Ricciardo picks the victory in Canada as his highlight.
“Yes, the first win, in Canada, that’s hard to pass. I think everyone remembers their first win, and the race was an exciting one. I didn’t win in pretty easy or boring circumstances, so that’s something I’ll remember forever.”
And on beating Sebastian Vettel?
“That was awesome. He was the reigning four-time champ, and to really go at it and give him a good run for his money, to say the least, was another little tick in the box.”
The Laureus World Sports Awards were unveiled at the Shanghai Grand Theatre last week, hosted by British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, with awards presented by the likes of Bill Murray, Henry Cavill and Ha Ji-won.
The winners of all seven categories are listed below. Michael Mastess
LAUREUS AWARD WINNERS 2015
World Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic
World Sportswoman of the Year: Genzebe Dibaba
World Team of the Year: Germany Mens Football Team
World Breakthrough of the Year: Daniel Ricciardo
World Comeback of the Year: Schalk Burger
World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Tatyana McFadden
World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Alan Eustace
Sport for Good Award: Skateistan
Note: There were three additional Awards: the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award was presented to Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming, the Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award was given to retired tennis star Li Na and the Laureus Sport for Good Award was presented to the worldwide skateboard programme Skateistan.
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One Response to “Daniel Ricciardo talks about his ‘breakthrough’ year”
Only a select few Australians have raced in the Formula 1. Well done Daniel Ricciardo. I like to watch my car races and he is fantastic.
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