Daniel Ricciardo heads back to the scene of his maiden Grand Prix win this weekend in Montreal, a venue which the Australian openly admits he is infatuated with.

"Winning has made me love it a little bit more but really I've loved it since my first lap, back when I was driving for Toro Rosso. I remember coming back into the pits and saying "what a circuit," I was amazed at how good it was – and I'd only done an install."

Last year, Ricciardo was the first and only driver to break Mercedes' supremacy, and it all started in Canada. The achievement proved popular with all in the F1 paddock and led to a festive evening of celebrations in the city.

"There was – but I was very restrained and in bed by 1.30am," remembers smiling Dan. "There's a point where the adrenaline wears off and suddenly you're absolutely exhausted. I remember falling into bed, thinking "wow, crazy day," and out went the lights. Fortunately the crew are made of sterner stuff and kept the party going. They were not a pretty sight at breakfast the following day..."

While Red Bull's current performance rate leaves a lot to be desired, Ricciardo hopes it will taking nothing away from the pleasures derived from racing on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

"It's just a ridiculous amount of fun. You can jump across the kerbs and really get the car bouncing around. It's like getting back to go-kart days, you really feel like you own it – and I love that. You can get aggressive with it, and aim to just brush the wall. There's a lot of risk but that brings a lot of adrenaline with it. It'd be wonderful if you were doing it in isolation but with 100,000 screaming fans urging you on, it's just mega."

Click here for a look back at Robert Kubica's only Formula One victory in Canada 

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

US Congress raises concerns over F1’s rejection of Andretti bid

A significant development has emerged in the ongoing saga surrounding Andretti Global's bid to enter…

31 mins ago

Celebrating Ferrari’s past, embracing the present

Celebrating Ferrari's 70-year journey in North America at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc…

1 hour ago

Alpine F1 appoints Sanchez as executive technical director

Alpine F1 has announced the appointment of former Ferrari and McLaren engineer David Sanchez as…

2 hours ago

RB unveils striking ‘Chameleon’ livery for Miami Grand Prix

Visa Cash App RB aims to make a splash at this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix…

3 hours ago

Red Bull after Newey: Falling apart, or strength in depth?

It wasn't so long ago that we thought Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari at the…

5 hours ago

Vettel to pay tribute to Senna with McLaren MP4/8 run at Imola

Sebastian Vettel will pay a fitting tribute to the great Ayrton Senna later this month…

19 hours ago