Ricciardo's return to Australia allowed him to recharge his battery

For Daniel Ricciardo, the winter break was the ideal time to return to Australia for a change. The smiling McLaren driver had not been to his home country since June 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, he could now see his friends and family again.

Homesick

Especially at times when things were not going well, the support of the home front would have been welcome. But the strict entry conditions meant that Ricciardo could not just go to Australia for a few days. Ricciardo admits in conversation with Autosport.com Ricciardo admits that there has indeed been homesickness.

After the test in Abu Dhabi, the time had come: he took the plane home, where he first had to spend two weeks in quarantine. That was not always easy, because for fourteen days his special hotel room was the only thing he saw. Looking back, it was worth the period in isolation, he says. Ricciardo loved being back and embracing his family again.

Long awaited

With a new, intense season ahead, the battery has been recharged, Ricciardo says. The period in Australia was exactly what he needed. Finally, the Australian says, he could be in the place he had longed for.