Ricciardo Rejects F1 Superstitions

Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian Formula 1 driver, has openly challenged a long-held belief in the sports world: the notion of abstaining from 𝓈ℯ𝓍 before a race.

 

Ricciardo, who has been in a public relationship with Heidi Berger since 2022, previously adhered to this superstition, believing it would enhance his performance. However, personal experience led him to a different conclusion.

In a November 2020 podcast appearance on Armchair Expert, Ricciardo shared, “I used to believe in it. But I don’t anymore. I broke my own rule once and actually performed better on Sunday, so it’s all good. I dropped that a few years ago.”

 

Since changing his perspective, Ricciardo has embraced a more rational approach, considering himself a “superstition buster.” He believes such beliefs are often used as excuses for failure.

“I feel like it’s a sign of fear,” he explained, “not actual fear, but you’ve planted a seed of doubt in your head.”

Ricciardo argues that relying on outdated beliefs is a convenient way to avoid taking responsibility for one’s performance.

“If I have a bad race, it’s easy to blame it on not having the right preparation. I can ignore the real reasons why I didn’t perform well and just pin it on not following the superstition,” the Australian driver confessed.

Mind over matter

Ricciardo emphasizes that relying on superstitions can negatively impact a driver’s mental state. “If that’s what you always do and you forget to do it, and then you jump in a car going 200 mph, is that good for your head? You can’t let those things creep into your mind,” the 35-year-old added.

The Australian driver believes that drivers should focus on their own abilities rather than external factors. According to him, mental strength and confidence are the true determinants of success on the track.

Ricciardo’s F1 future

Despite recent setbacks in his F1 career, Ricciardo maintains a positive outlook. At the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, he finished 18th and parted ways with his team, AlphaTauri. Liam Lawson will replace him for the remaining six races of the 2024 season.

 

Ricciardo, an Australian of Italian descent, began his racing career in 2005 and won his first major title in 2008 with the Formula Renault 2.0 West European Cup. He made his Formula One debut at the 2011 British Grand Prix with HRT.

 

Throughout his career, Ricciardo has secured 8 race wins, 3 pole positions, 18 fastest laps, and 32 podium finishes.

Key points emphasized in the translation:

• Ricciardo’s personal experience with superstitions and his decision to abandon them
• His perspective on superstitions as a sign of fear and a way to avoid responsibility
• The negative impact of superstitions on mental performance
• Ricciardo’s focus on mental strength and confidence as key to success
• His recent challenges in Formula 1 and his continued positive attitude

This translation aims to capture the essence of Ricciardo’s views on superstitions and their impact on athletic performance while maintaining a clear and concise style.