Daniel Ricciardo says part of him is enjoying the paddock chatter over his Formula 1 future as it offers him a good reason to "push back" and to remind everyone and especially himself that he "can still do it".
Disappointing results since the start of the season coupled with recent comments by McLaren boss Zak Brown about how he has "not met our expectations" have placed a cloud of doubt over the Aussie's future.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a candid Ricciardo owned up to his current shortfall, admitting the conjecture surrounding him is warranted as "I haven't really done anything spectacular" so far this year.
But rather unexpectedly, the 32-year-old says that he's actually embracing his situation, and he explained why.
"Part of me loves it," he told F1.com. "That’s the truth, because one thing I love about this sport... it’s probably trying to get to the top of something.
"You’re always going to be under the spotlight and there’s always going to be that attention, that pressure. And when you can execute under those circumstances, it’s one of the most powerful and rewarding feelings.
"So I know that there is obviously chatter and let’s say certainly some noise at the moment. But for me, it’s like a good reason to… push back and just to remind people, but first and foremost to remind myself, that I can still do it.
"I have no doubts, so yes, it’s fun and I have no issue with people talking because I haven’t really done anything spectacular this year, so I know that it comes with the territory.
"But deep down, I still know what I’m capable of and I look forward to showing this – hopefully sooner rather than later."
©McLaren
Ricciardo conquered the streets of Baku in 2017 with Red Bull. But since that win, he's only put a ninth-place finish on the board in Azerbaijan.
Yet he believes he can deliver a strong performance once again this weekend along the shores of the Caspian Sea.
"It’s possible," said Ricciardo. "I think as well because this race of course, qualifying is always important and... I think we have potential to do [well].
"But it’s also a street track unlike many that you can really overtake on, and if you’ve got the race pace on Sunday then you can really do something good.
"There’s a lot more, I’d say, opportunities here, so that alone [makes me optimistic].
"But I think we’ll have – well I say I think, it’s so hard to know this year – but I believe we’ll have certainly a decent car."
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