2014 Changed the Level of Overtaking: Ricciardo

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo believes he “changed the level of overtaking” in Formula 1 during the 2014 campaign; his first season fighting at the front of the field.

Joining senior team Red Bull Racing on the back of two years with Toro Rosso, Ricciardo went from fighting for points to battling for race wins.

The Aussie took on the more established names such as his own team-mate and then-reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

He claimed three race wins on his way to third in the standings, however, it was his overtaking prowess that really caught the eye.

Ricciardo showed that he wasn’t afraid to make a move, often braking late and coming from a long way behind to take a position.

It is a style he still uses today.

“That’s the year I look back at being the most fun for me and the most important for my career since,” Ricciardo said in his latest Red Bull diary.

“The wins were big, and I had a massive battle with Fernando [Alonso] in Germany where we raced really hard but fair, and he had some praise for me afterwards which was big at the time.

“I feel ’14 didn’t just shape me and my approach from then on, it changed the level of overtaking from other guys in the sport as well.

“Not many people were doing that, coming from a long way back and trying big passing moves.

“Maybe they learned from me and the way I was racing, so perhaps I set a new level and showed people what was possible, and the drivers that were willing to try it were trying it.

“I realise that sounds a bit cocky, but I really do believe that.

“I’m not saying all of them can do it, but at least more of them are trying!”