Ricciardo to introduce 'funky' new helmet design in Melbourne

Daniel Ricciardo will introduce to the world and his fans a new "funky and artistic" lid at next week's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Free from the inflexible commercial chains of Red Bull now that he's switched his allegiance to Renault, Daniel Ricciardo can go all arty-crafty with his helmet.

The Aussie already sported a completely different lid design during pre-season testing in Barcelona, labeled 'test', with a blend of muted-colors, but the final work shall be unveiled at Albert Park.

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"This helmet has got a bit of coverage, so this has been a ‘test’ concept if you want to call it," he said last week in Spain.

"But I’ve been working with an Australian artist, and he has been working on it for quite a few months.

"It will come out in Melbourne, but it is certainly going to be different. It is not going to be traditional and typical with a halo and lines that mean nothing.

"I am trying to get away from the typical helmet these days, so it should be funky. It is kind of artistic in a modern way."

While he spent the winter getting acquainted with his all-new Renault environment, getting his season in gear at home, in Australia, adds an extra layer of excitement for the Honey Badger.

"There is something pretty awesome in starting the season at home," he said.

"There is added excitement behind that. For me I like being in Australia, period. It is a nice country.

"We had quite a big break since Abu Dhabi, it was a long time in which you don’t really compete, so just to compete on home soil is cool.

"And going now with a new team and arriving there with a new team that is another added bit of excitement. It is good to get started, I think."

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