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Daniel Ricciardo is determined to start the next Formula One season with redemption and end it with glory.
The Australian Infiniti Red Bull driver has a bullish attitude after his breakout year, where he won three races and finished third on the championship standings.
While admitting to surprise that he had done so well in his debut season with Infiniti Red Bull, the 25-year-old is also brimming with confidence about what might come next.
Ricciardo now believes he can become the first Australian since Alan Jones in 1980 to win the F1 world title.
“I proved this year I’m a race winner and can race hard at the front and deal with the pressure,” Ricciardo said.
His campaign will start with the season-opening March 12-15 grand prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park, which holds bittersweet memories for the Australian.
Ricciardo announced his true F1 arrival by finishing second at the race this year, only for race officials to disqualify him a few hours later.
“Looking back, what happened on Sunday night here, if anything, just fuelled a bigger fire which was already in me,” he said.
“It served me well for the rest of the season.
“It gave me a taste and then took it away, so it made me want to get back there.
“I’m already hanging out for March – try and get a little bit of redemption.”
Ricciardo loves Albert Park, calling it one of his three most favourite circuits.
And he said it is a privilege to have a home race.
Ricciardo paid tribute to Ron Walker, who will soon retire after a lengthy stint in charge of the Melbourne race.
“There’s just something about having your home grand prix,” he said.
“Obviously Ron has done a lot for the sport.”
Speaking at Thursday’s Melbourne Grand Prix launch, Ricciardo said when it came to motivation for next season, he had plenty of company at Red Bull.
Despite Ricciardo’s successes, the team slipped this season and have now lost four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel to Ferrari.
“I wouldn’t say (the team) are furious, but they’ve lost the No.1 spot this year,” Ricciardo said.
“When you have something that’s taken from you, obviously it’s a bit like the podium in Melbourne – it fuelled a fire.
“I know they’re hungrier than ever to get back on top.
“I believe my guys have a bit more hunger than everyone else right now.”
Unlike compatriot Mark Webber, Ricciardo said he had a healthy relationship with Vettel at Red Bull.
Ricciardo said he could understand while Vettel wanted to drive for the famed Italian team and will have no trouble going up against him.
“He’s pretty-much done it all and I guess he sees Ferrari is in a bit of a phase, a rebuilding phase,” Ricciardo said.
“He sees some opportunity in that.
“On track, if we cross paths, it’s going to be a good battle – but when where we will always give each other a bit of room and respect.
“I’m looking forward to racing against him in red.”
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