Azerbaijan Grand Prix winner: Today cars are more important than pilots - INTERVIEW

Baku. 30 November. REPORT.AZ/ "I have spent very exciting 24 hours. Compared to June, the weather is cold.

But the atmosphere is very hot. Everyone supports me.There are many Formula 1 fans here.They come close to me, they want to take a picture and take autographs.Baku track is unusual and attractive.I do not say it because we won here. This is really the case”.

Report informs, Pilot of Red Bull team, winner of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2017 Daniel Ricciardo said. 28-year-old Australian driver also answered journalists' questions at a press conference in Baku.

- You only won Grand Prix of Azerbaijan in 2017. What is the best track for you?

- If we talk about personal details, the weekend was not good for me. If the conversation goes from Sunday, I would differentiate it here. However, the Grand Prix of Australia was getting better at the weekend.

- This year "Mercedes" has won. Will the next season be Red Bull champion?

- We had high hopes for this year. We thought we could challenge them. But we failed. We should be well-arranged in advance next season. I need to improve my personality, avoid mistakes. I'm sure that 2018 could be better for us.

- In what race did you feel more proud this year?

- I have mentioned Austria. I found myself on the podium. In Monaco, I have passed the last few circles really good.

I would also like to emphasize Monzo.

- What can you say about the new system?

- The new system in the mold is intended for the safety of pilots. There are some changes over time. This is normal.

- What pilot do you think you look like in terms of driving style?

- I have a great respect for many pilots.They are my opponents. I like Lewis Hamilton. He is always cool. He does not lose his coolness under pressure.He managed to finish all the races.We will compete with this kind of opponent.

- Did you like the new logo introduced in Abu Dhabi?

- When I first saw it, I did not laugh.

- What do you like about Baku track?

- Road here ascending and descending. If you make one mistake. I love taking risk. I like this track. It is nice to drive cars in Baku.We need to reach a level so that make “Mercedes” and “Ferrari” fear us.

- Do you agree with the idea that 75 % of result depend on "Formula 1" bolid, 25 % on drivers?

- This is not always the case. Hamilton won 3 of the last 4 championships. Because his car is beautiful. Yes, today cars are more important than pilots. We can talk about 50/50 in the future. We hope that we will move towards that.

- What will you do after leaving Formula 1?

- I don’t plan to quit yet. If I achieve my goals that I plan, I think about switching to another type of sport.

- Who do you think is the best pilot?

- Of course, I'll name myself (laughs). Although Lewis Hamilton drives the best car he has a great deal of skills. He had tough times in his life. But they did not affect his work. Although Fernando Alonso is not good in recent years, people believe him. Both of them are best pilots.

- What would you like to change in the Grand Prix of Azerbaijan?

- I would not like any changes. I am pleased with Baku, let it be as in 2017. Maybe it would be better if they remove a 30 cm curve in Icherisheher. The most exciting track of the year was the Baku track. Because I won here.

- You hit a lot of barriers in Baku. Are there any special turn that you don’t like?

- I hope that I will not hit anywhere (laughs). Let it happen to rivals.