A Formula 1 driver never forgets his first victory… if it ever happens, that is. Daniel Ricciardo is one of 114 drivers to have won a Grand Prix. And one of the six to have experienced his first triumph in Montreal. Ten years have passed since then, but he remembers “everything.”

It was 2014. The 24-year-old Daniel was taking part in his first season with Red Bull. When he arrived in Canada, he had already reached the third step of the podium twice.

Starting 6th on the grid in Montreal, he slowly climbed the slope until crossing the finish line in front of everyone. Euphoria.

“I remember the qualifications, the debrief. Honestly, I feel like it happened not that long ago,” Ricciardo recalled with his trademark enthusiasm, Thursday morning, in the paddocks of the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit.

Given that Felipe Massa had hit the wall on the final lap, Ricciardo refrained from celebrating too much until he knew if the driver was doing well. Once he did, the emotions overwhelmed him. And the celebrations lived up to the moment.

“All our flights were canceled… Or rather, we canceled our flights,” he said, smiling widely. “We stayed here on Sunday evening and enjoyed a lovely evening. »

Obviously the party lasted a long time.

“Where we were staying, there was a rooftop terrace,” the 34-year-old driver said. “The whole team went there and we cleared out the bar. After that, some people went to other clubs, but that was it for me. I think by then it was 3am and my adrenaline had been drained.”

A lot has happened in Daniel Ricciardo’s career since that pivotal moment. Including Red Bull, where he spent five seasons, he played for three teams before joining AlphaTauri – now Visa Cash App RB – mid-season last year.

For several years, Ricciardo has been a favorite of the Formula 1 crowd from one end of the globe to the other. His charismatic and warm personality, highlighted in the documentary series Drive to Survive, has a lot to do with it.

On the track, however, his performances have taken a hit. His last victory – and his last podium – dates back to 2021, at Monza. With only 5 points, all won in the Miami sprint race, he is currently 14th among the drivers. His teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, has 19 points.

“I hold myself accountable for not having done something spectacular yet,” the Australian said on Thursday. “When you’re trying to fight for a seat at the top, you have to do some pretty spectacular things. I’m not saying it’s never going to happen, it’s still a place I’d like to end my career in, but obviously it’s not going to happen in the short term.”

“I don’t think that means I won’t have a chance. Personally, I had good results in Miami, but the rest of the season didn’t really go according to what I expected of myself. I want my season to go better than that, so that it helps me get opportunities. »

The Australian’s priority is now to sign a new agreement with RB, which still has no driver for 2025. Here too, to achieve this, he will have to improve his performance.

“More right pedal and less left pedal? » he said, laughing.

More seriously, the driver spoke about the importance of being more consistent, regardless of his mood or the conditions. He also wants to better manage everything that happens off the track. So, once you get in the car, there are “no questions, no doubts, no worries.”

“I think I can be more consistent going forward, because I’ve done it before. »

Nothing better than starting this new resolution where he won his first Grand Prix ten years ago. Here in Montreal.