Everybody loves Daniel

Here’s a Formula 1 story we can all enjoy, the ever increasing love being shown for Daniel Ricciardo! Here’s a selection of quotes said about our Dan in the wake of his Hungarian Grand Prix win.

Luke Smith, NBC: When speaking to Daniel in the paddock, it’s quite clear that he is two things. Firstly: highly determined and gunning to win (as is any racing driver). Secondly: a genuinely friendly person. It’s very rare to leave a press briefing with Daniel without a smile nearly as big as his own.

This is all very good news for Formula 1. Bernie Ecclestone has said in the past that the sport needs a superstar, and Daniel could be exactly that, but not in the conventional sense. He is someone who the fans can connect to.

Kevin Eason, The Times: No one—not even Horner and his Red Bull team—believed the Australian would be so good. Actually, he has not been good, he has been spectacular. This is a champ in the making.

Sky Sports F1: In a season of such dominance by one team which isn’t your own, Ricciardo’s pair of victories in Canada and especially Hungary are all the more commendable and the qualities shown on both of those occasions as he charged to unexpected wins—consistent pace, impressive tyre management and, most notably of all, bold and incisive overtaking moves when it mattered—have made the paddock sit up and take notice and mark the ever-smiley 25-year-old out as surely a future World Champion in the making. The surprise star of the season without question.

Jim Peltz, LA Times: Two months ago the idea would have been laughable: Red Bull Racing’s rookie Daniel Ricciardo winning the Formula One championship. Now, the notion still remains highly unlikely but not nearly so ludicrous. Overtaking both Mercedes drivers would be a very tall order. But there are eight races left in the season. And there’s a season-ending quirk this year. Formula One will award double points to drivers in the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

And if Ricciardo closes the gap significantly by then, Abu Dhabi could prove highly entertaining.

Edd Straw, Autosport+: Half a season in a top car and a couple of victories does not automatically mean a driver has earned his place among the elite, but Ricciardo has been so convincing that it’s difficult to imagine he won’t consolidate his status over the seasons to come. At 25, he looks like he will be a real force to be reckoned with for the next decade.

Let’s hope we do see Daniel continue on his upwards trajectory and one day claiming a world championship. It’s great for Aussie F1 fans to see him take the mantle as Australia’s unofficial ambassador from Mark Webber with such good humour and, of course, blinding pace.

[Source: Fox Sports | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]