t’s been a season of ups and downs for sure. Sometimes frustration, on occasion lessons have been learned - but there has been the occasional high-point as well. Looking back on 2015, Daniel gives us his end of season thoughts.
What’s your analysis on the 2015 campaign ?
DR : I would say it was a mild roller-coaster, but one which I’ve got off from with lessons learned and maturity gained.
I’m sure that when you came to The Team last year and won a few races, obviously those were your high points along the way. Now you’ve seen a different side of that and gained maybe a few extra experiences since you’ve entered the sport ?
DR : Yes, definitely. I think this year I’ve learned to control, or understand, different scenarios, situations and emotions. It’s been a lot more challenging year off-track, in terms of staying on the right track mentally. For example, coming into the season I expected to come out and fight for the title. That was where I mentally put myself. Then obviously after a few races you start to get frustrated, because you’re not getting what you want so you then have to take a step back to understand how you can make the best of the situation you’re in.
You have had one or two high points there, obviously not as high as you’d like, but you still had a couple of podiums of course. Do those early season trials you had make the highs a bit extra special ?
DR : Definitely. I think coming out of the first few races, or nearly the first half of the season, without having much success, besides the odd fourth or fifth place, to then the race in Budapest and the battle there and the podium in Singapore was great. Even though I’ve only had two podiums this year, I definitely feel like I had a lot of great races, and the podiums have been so sweet. Standing up there has been the icing on the cake for me. I honestly look back on the season with a smile and I don’t look back not saying "I wish I never have a season like that again". I really have enjoyed it.
To lead in Austin like you did, does that give a little taste of what you and the whole team strive for and want going forward ?
DR : I think it reiterated to us all that we’ve still got it. The car is still capable and we showed we can still manage to work the strategy and do what we can to lead. To be honest, I always know that if I’m in that position I can do it. Everyone’s got the confidence, but that just solidifies it. Obviously, as time passes, people can sometimes forget about that.
What would you say was your best overtake of the year ?
DR : The ballsiest one was on (Nico) Rosberg in Budapest. I don’t think I’ve ever come from that far back before. It was one of those moments you tell yourself "F#@ ! it !". That was pure instinct and so fun. To be honest the one on Lewis in Austin on the wet line was pretty cool. As it was for the lead as well it was pretty sweet. I got a lot of satisfaction out of that one.
Overall, what are your personal Top 3 moments ?
DR : Budapest, Singapore, and the first 20 laps in Austin. (Laughs)
How has the relationship between you and Dany evolved as the year’s progressed ?
DR : I would say it has stayed pretty constant. He as a person has matured. Obviously, he’s still young, so he’s going through a lot of that. I probably look at him as an older person now than I did at the start of the year. You’ll always be competitive with your team mate and we are. When I’m beating him he’s a bit quieter and when he’s beating me I am. That’s just how it works, but we get on pretty well. I can’t complain !
Do moments like the dancing in Austin come about because you naturally grow up together, as you both went through the Red Bull Junior Program ?
DR : Yeah I think so. As Red Bull drivers we have a lot in common. You obviously are taking a certain path to get where we are. But then again you know how ruthless the program can be, as there is always someone trying to take your spot. So there’s a fine balance. Obviously, you have a lot of respect for each other, but you still want to look out for yourself and do what you have to do.