DANIEL RICCIARDO
BEATS THE ODDS TO WIN THE MONACO GRAND PRIX
The Australian Grand Prix driver overcomes his engine troubles to take the crown at the world’s most prestigious Formula 1 race I listen to music religiously before I race. My song for Monaco was “Shoota” by Playboi Carti. Hip hop was my genre of choice that day, but the lyrics of this song were particularly important. They start with the words: “Now is my time.” It was fitting – I believed it was my time.
When I lost a chunk of power at lap 28, it was deflating. I thought, “What have I got to do to win this race?” I’d missed out two years at Monaco; I started to feel I was destined not to win. But then I thought, “OK, the cards have been dealt,” and quickly became more positive. “I’m going win despite my disadvantage,” I told myself. It actually motivated me more.
When I had 50 laps left, however, I started growing concerned: “How will I finish? How are the tyres going to last? How can I hold off Sebastian [Vettel]?” So, I set myself a simple goal – to get through the next 30 laps – because if I was still leading after that, I knew no one would beat me. When I crossed the finish line, I felt an enormous sense of relief and redemption. Not just for this race but my previous attempts. I’d finally won.