Daniel Ricciardo emotionally looks back on duel with ‘god of sport’ Michael Schumacher | F1 | Sport
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Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about his experiences driving against Michael Schumacher, saying that he still gets “goosebumps” when he thinks about those times. Ricciardo spent 18 months on the grid at the same time as the seven-time world champion, before Schumacher’s eventual retirement in 2012.
The Australian entered the paddock ten years ago in 2011, driving for half a season with HRT before joining Red Bull’s junior team, then named Toro Rosso. Schumacher was then in his twilight years in the sport, racing for Mercedes.
Ricciardo, who now races for McLaren, remembers feeling a sense of reverence when he came across the racing legend for the first time and has good memories of competing against him on the track.
The 32-year-old said to Sport Bild: “To know I was once in the same field of drivers as Michael Schumacher in Formula 1 is amazing for me.
“I remember one of my first races at Suzuka, I had a short duel with him. It was like a game of cat and mouse on the track.
“That was really unreal. I enjoyed every second.
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Mick began his F1 journey this season with Haas, and while he has been involved in a few race incidents, the 22-year-old has shown considerable promise.
Ricciardo was keen to express his belief that Mick has the talent to become a real force in the sport, as well as saying that he is a very good person.
He said: “I met Mick in 2016 at his charity soccer game. Somehow I immediately had the feeling I just wanted to be nice to him.
“He should feel my deep respect, his father is such a legend. So there was a good chemistry between us right from the start because he’s a really nice boy too.
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