Daniel Ricciardo is on the sidelines this season, his F1 career hopefully just in pause mode, but that doesn't mean the Aussie is wondering around wayward and goalless. On the contrary.
As Red Bull's third driver, Ricciardo could be called upon at short notice by the Milton Keynes-based outfit to substitute for Max Verstappen or Sergio Perez if necessary.
But beyond his contracted availability that may or may not pull him back onto the grid this year, the former McLaren driver has outlined his main professional and personal goals for the months ahead.
"This is the first year in as long as I can remember that my goals aren’t going to be 100% about racing and competing," the 33-year-old wrote in a post on LinkedIn.
"Whilst there’s still an element of that, it’s in a different capacity this year and I now have space for a separate set of goals to focus on too.
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"From a professional point of view, this year is really about being a team player at Red Bull. I'm back in an environment and ultimately a family that I have a lot of good memories with, and it feels really good to be back there.
"But it's not about me this year, it's about the wider team and trying to contribute and help them where I can.
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"Jumping into the simulator, learning their car and helping shape the development are all things I’m focused on doing. In turn that will develop my abilities, my confidence, and my enjoyment behind the wheel.”
"It's been a tough couple of years professionally, so there's an element of that competitor in me wanting to remind people that I’m still here, still a professional and still contributing to success."
But beyond his professional aspirations, Ricciardo offered some insight into a few of his personal goals this year, starting with reconnecting with family and friend next week when he travels down under to the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
"From a personal perspective, this year for me is really feeling like a bit of a luxury to have the opportunity to do things that I've always wanted to and not had the time," said the eight-time F1 winner.
"People might think I’m joking here but I really want to get better and better on my 110 [cc motocross bike]. I've always enjoyed motorbikes, but never really been able to ride much because the luxury of time hasn't been there.
"But I love learning new skills and I think that drive for excellence that I’m used to will carry over into this hobby too.
"I promise you this is the most fun you can have on two wheels. Riding with friends, jumping things and being out in nature. I’m getting excited just thinking about it."
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