Every Formula 1 driver currently on the grid has the belief that they can win a world championship, either right now or in the future.
Currently, only Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso can claim that accolade, and that’s unlikely to change in 2024.
Until then, drivers will simply be aspiring to stand on the top step of the podium and speaking to Speedcafe, one driver who hasn’t experienced that feeling since 2021 believes he still has what it takes.
Realistically, only drivers competing for Red Bull or Ferrari will be competing for Grand Prix victories this year unless something very unexpected happens.
However, there are several drivers on the grid who have already achieved that accolade when driving elsewhere.
Valtteri Bottas has a few trophies lying around at home from his time at Mercedes, while Alonso has spent more than a decade chasing victory number 33.
Daniel Ricciardo is another driver who has now admitted that he believes he’s still capable of winning races.
The Australian has yet to score a point and his position at RB might be under threat.
However, he’s still very keen to stay with the team until 2025 despite his ultimate dream being a return to Red Bull.
READ MORE: Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend
Daniel Ricciardo still believes he’s capable of winning Formula 1 races
After spells with HRT and Toro Rosso, Ricciardo finally tasted victory in F1 during his first season with the senior Red Bull team.
In 2014, Ricciardo stood on the top step of the podium in Canada, Hungary and Belgium.
He finished 3 in the Drivers’ Championship, ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel and only behind the two Mercedes drivers.
The 34-year-old added victories in Malaysia in 2016, Azerbaijan in 2017 and a pair of wins the following year in China and Monaco before moving on.
Ricciardo’s spell with Renault saw him secure a couple of podium finishes before winning the last of eight races for McLaren at Monza in 2021.
Three years later, the Australian is struggling to score points but he still believes he has the ability to challenge at the very front of the grid in the right car.
Daniel Ricciardo still has winning ambitions in Formula 1
Speaking about his aspirations, Ricciardo said: “And the truth is, if I draw a line under it and I speak about myself in the third person: Why did Daniel Ricciardo return after a few months off last year? Because I believe I can stand on the podium again. I can win races again.
“Ultimately, that is it. The belief is there… As long as that belief is still there, I think I’ll be happy being here.
“But when I eventually do hang it up, I would love to have stood on the podium a few more times.”
It currently seems incredibly unlikely that Ricciardo will be winning any more Formula 1 races while he’s still at RB.
Not only are the team only capable of fighting for minor points right now, but he’s also been beaten by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda at almost every race this season.
Daniel Ricciardo is already facing pressure from Liam Lawson to retain his seat.
It would be an incredibly popular result if he did manage one more victory but it’s hard to see it happening.
The post ‘I can win races’: 34-year-old says he’s still capable of Grand Prix victories despite only one win since 2018 appeared first on F1 Oversteer.
