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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 11: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 smiles at the livery launch of the Renault Sport Formula One Team RS20 during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 11, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 11: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 smiles at the livery launch of the Renault Sport Formula One Team RS20 during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 11, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 11: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 smiles at the livery launch of the Renault Sport Formula One Team RS20 during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 11, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 11: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 smiles at the livery launch of the Renault Sport Formula One Team RS20 during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on March 11, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Daniel Ricciardo is arguably the most amiable and popular drivers on the grid. In an individual sport with cut-throat competition, his positive approach to life is refreshing. The inspirational driver also counts on a few idols to motivate him through his troubles.
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‘MJ or nothing’ for young Daniel
The Australian driver idol-worshipped the great Michael Jordan. And how could he not? He is arguably the greatest player to play the game of basketball. Not only was he the most famous athlete of the 90s but also one of the most well-known celebrities.
His notorious competitive drive led the Chicago Bulls to 6 NBA championships. Daniel began playing the sport as a toddler because of him. And strangely enough, he left the sport because of him too. Speaking of his admiration for MJ, he said,
“As a kid, before I had racing pictures in my bedroom, I had Michael Jordan. It was funny; it was him or nothing. When he was playing, then I was playing basketball in the backyard, and as soon as he stopped, basketball was dead to me. It was crazy how much he drew me towards it.”
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Michael Johnson #23, shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls prepares to make a shot during a Central Division game in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) 1988 – 1989 season at Chicago Stadium, Chicago, United States. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Allsport/Getty Images)
Racing idols of Daniel Ricciardo
The Perth-native was drawn to racing from a young age. NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt inspired him to take the ‘Number 3’ on his Formula 1 car.
On being asked about his motor-racing heroes, he said – “Ayrton Senna and Dale Earnhardt are the two that stand out. And also Valentino Rossi; I’m being greedy, but those three!”
Motorsports stuntman Travis Pastrana is also one of his idols. The daredevil’s rambunctious nature is probably what resonated with the Renault driver, “He’s still kind of racer, but I loved Travis Pastrana growing up. I loved what he stands for; he’s nuts.”
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Dale Earnhardt, driver of the the #3 Richard Childress Racing Goodwrench Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Monte Carlo spinning out of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series The Winston race on 24 May 1998 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, North Carolina, United States. (Photo by Craig Jones/Allsport/Getty Images)
So, the ‘honey-badger’ has laid it all out in the open. His fans now know what inspired him throughout his childhood. Breathtaking overtakes and charismatic persona will earn the former Red Bull driver a few ‘Stans’ himself.
Who knows, maybe we will all be bringing up the Australian’s name in the same breath as the likes of Jordan, Senna, Rossi, and more.