Daniel Riccardo sweeps fans off their feet as he delivers a cheeky response on US….
Daniel Ricciardo is preparing for a very different life as a reserve driver in this season’s F1 championship – but clearly hasn’t lost his trademark sense of humour.
The Aussie, 33, made an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and delivered a very cheeky response when asked why he believes the sport has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity – especially in the US.
‘I was gonna say something serious, but I think ultimately it’s probably my good looks!,’ Ricciardo joked to a visibly stunned Colbert.
‘I think it’s the Drive to Survive series on Netflix which has kind of blown up. I think that’s put F1 on the map worldwide.
Daniel Riccardo sweeps fans off their feet as he delivers a cheeky response on US….
‘They’re about to go into season five which is pretty wild. There’s parts of the world where it’s always been big, you know, like Europe, Formula 1 has always existed for many, many, many years and there’s always been like a core following there.
‘I knew the States…I feel it was inevitable to blow up here because you do sports so well and it was just, I would say, a matter of time but I feel like it accelerated through this Drive to Survive show.’
Ricciardo then arrived at Red Bull’s season launch in very unusual fashion – in a go kart.
Alongside great mate and premier Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, the Perth born jokester arrived on the premises and hammed it up.
In the clip also starring Red Bull principal Christian Horner, the drivers can be seen whizzing around the company headquarters.
However, the launch later descended into a farce in New York after a presenter mispronounced Ricciardo’s name.
Co-host Giselle Zarur inexplicably called the Aussie Daniel ‘Retardo’, leaving the 33-year-old smiling awkwardly.
Furious fans were in disbelief on social media.
Ricciardo won’t be on the grid this year after McLaren boldly promoted fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri.
READ ALSO: Mick Schumacher seat in Haas: Haas boss, Steiner comments on the possibility of…
The 33-year-old – who left Red Bull in 2018 – has returned to his former team in a reserve driver role he will share with Kiwi Liam Lawson.
While many believe Ricciardo’s career now hangs in the balance, the man himself is adamant the ‘break’ will reinvigorate his passion for the sport.
The 2023 F1 season begins at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 5.6daniel
