Daniel Ricciardo never thought he would be driving alongside four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull. He also must not have ever dreamt of being a replacement of Red Bull veteran Mark Webber. But he will doing both in 2014.
Ricciardo, who drove for Toro Rosso for two seasons - 2012 and 2013, impressed Red Bull with his performance to get the nod as replacement for Webber, who quit F1. The Australian driver secured 10 points in 2012 in 20 Grand Prix and 20 points in the next year (2013) in 19 races.
Excited for his first stint at Red Bull, Ricciardo shared his experiences with IBNLive Sports in a quick interview.
What are your plans with your new team, new car and new rules?
Think the season ahead is going to be very challenging, but very exciting. It's something I've been looking forward. For me it's [joining Red Bull] another big step in my career. It [the season] is challenging for everyone, but I'm sure we're all ready and excited.
You will be racing alongside four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel. How does that feel?
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, it is an amazing thing. I have a lot of respect for him. I'm hoping to learn as much as I can and hopefully challenge him, of course.
You and Sebastian know each other from the past?
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.
The first race of the season - Australian GP - in a new and elegant Red Bull car.
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 just want to give my best.
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