A home debut, a ‘keeno’ childhood visit & the podium that wasn’t – Ricciardo on his favourite Melbourne memories

Special ContributorPhillip Horton
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Visa Cash App RB greets fans onMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Visa Cash App RB greets fans on the Melbourne Walk prior to final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Circuit on March 23, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

Melbourne was the place where Daniel Ricciardo first appeared at a Grand Prix weekend, as a test driver for Toro Rosso in 2011, where he scored his first points in 2012, and where he took his first (sort of) podium in 2014.

The pandemic, and his 2023 absence, has made it a more stuttering relationship in recent years but now Ricciardo is re-energised, refreshed and back with RB to deliver for the home fans once more...