Daniel Ricciardo has all but closed the door on ever competing in the Indianapolis 500, offering a candid and colourful assessment of why the iconic oval race remains well outside his comfort zone.
A Visit Without a Helmet
The former Formula 1 driver is attending the race this weekend in a very different capacity — as a brand ambassador, partnering with IndyCar driver Conor Daly to promote his wine label. Daly, who lines up eighth on the grid, welcomed Ricciardo as a guest on his Speed Street podcast in the build-up to the event, and the conversation quickly turned to the prospect of the Australian ever making a competitive appearance at Indianapolis.
The answer was unambiguous.
"It's different, what you guys do," Ricciardo said. "You said Max said it, I've said it for many years — it scares the shit out of me. I love it, it's freaking awesome."
A Sentiment Shared Across the Paddock
Ricciardo's admission echoes a position that has become something of a recurring theme among current and former F1 drivers. Max Verstappen has previously been equally forthright in ruling out a tilt at the Brickyard, stating bluntly: "I don't need to risk my life there and potentially injure myself." The sheer, unforgiving nature of oval racing — high-speed, wall-lined, with little of the downforce F1 drivers rely on — clearly gives even the most seasoned grand prix racers pause.
That said, Ricciardo was careful to stress that the reluctance carries no trace of arrogance or superiority.
"There's definitely not a 'we are cooler than you guys'," he said. "There's none of that, at least I never experienced that. We all just ultimately love racing. You guys do a very different discipline, especially the oval stuff, compared to circuit racing that we do with a ton of downforce."
It is a theme that extends well beyond F1. The Indy 500 continues to attract drivers willing to embrace that very particular brand of danger — Katherine Legge, for instance, is set to become the first female driver to attempt 'The Double', contesting both the Indy 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.
Respect Without Reservation
For all the intimidation, Ricciardo's admiration for the discipline is genuine. He recalled watching a sprint car race over Christmas, and the spectacle clearly left an impression.
"I went to a sprint car race when I was back home over Christmas. I was watching, and I'm like 'Oh my Lord'. They are freaking awesome, and they're crazy."
It is the kind of raw respect that defines how many in the Formula 1 world view oval and short-track racing — thrilling to watch, deeply daunting to consider doing yourself. For Ricciardo, at least, Indianapolis looks set to remain a spectator sport.
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