Steven Tee/Motorsport Images
Ricciardo reveals Verstappen message and ‘goosebumps’ after Earnhardt drive
Daniel Ricciardo was messaged by Max Verstappen about the size of his smile while driving a Dale Earnhardt NASCAR at the United States Grand Prix, while a tweet from Dale Jr. gave him “goosebumps.”
The 1984 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo is owned by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who bet Ricciardo he could drive his hero’s car when he won his first race for the team. The Australian duly did so in Monza and so the test was set up at COTA, with Ricciardo wearing an open-face helmet to complete the run on Saturday morning.
https://twitter.com/F1/status/1451961644511371277
“It was hilarious,” Ricciardo said. “I got back to my driver room after once I got out of the NASCAR -- I walked back -- and my phone lit up and it said ‘Max Verstappen’ and he sent me a screenshot of me down the straight with this massive smile! And he said, ‘Looks like you enjoyed yourself!’
“So the open face was a good shout. It’s funny, I think Rachel (Brookes - Sky Sports reporter) tried to get a few words out of me after it and I don’t know, my adrenaline was still somewhere up here. I’m surprised I’m still awake now, but a little bit of caffeine before quali just got me through it, so I’ll sleep well tonight.”
Of course donuts were served... Zak Mauger/Motorsport Images
Responding to a tweet about the run, Dale Earnhardt Jr said: “I’m happy for Daniel. I’m also appreciative for how he celebrates my father. That makes a lot of Dad’s family members and fans smile,” a message that Ricciardo took kindly to.
“That’s cool, that gives me goosebumps. I’m happy that it’s well received, that’s all I can say.”
Ricciardo is also running an Earnhardt tribute helmet design at this weekend's race.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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