New Delhi:- A few weeks ago, Ricciardo was first touted as a possible replacement after being arrested for Nyck de Vries at the Faenza team, with the Dutchman due to have one last chance to prove himself with running the European race until in Spa.
But de Vries was eliminated after the British Grand Prix, and Ricciardo was put in place by Hungary and Belgium, with limited preparation time.
Although the timing wasn't ideal, Ricciardo believes these races have given him a launch pad ahead of the second half of the season. "When I got the call, in my head I thought, 'Oh okay, I think maybe we should wait until the summer break,'" the Australian said.
Also Read:- Aston and Mclaren to run up the Pirelli tyres that may dropout from F1
"But I'm really glad I got those two before the break, because it definitely gives me something to think about, build on, and ask the team a few questions. “I feel like we are going to Zandvoort much better prepared than if Zandvoort were my first race and I think that will push us a little bit better in the second part of the season.
"Obviously I know when I'm in good shape, so I can work through the summer break. While everyone is sipping Pina Coladas, I'll hit the gym. Ricciardo said he felt better than expected after the race back in Hungary, where the hot weather and the zigzag nature of the track were physically challenging. However, he admits he still has a lot of work to do.
"I'm going to use this time to catch up, from a physical standpoint," he said when asked by Autosport what he could do during the break. "Obviously my racing fitness is not as good as all the other racers. "But what I'm probably happiest about is definitely how I feel after the [Hungary] race, I actually feel a lot better than I thought I would.
Also Read:- Max Verstappen to tepid up the tyres before the Race but Pirelli to Oppositely Work on it
“Of course, I can always get better. So when I activate the breakpoint, I will only use it for training and of course trying to enjoy a bit of a break. But I had a vacation for six months! "I will only use it for training, because Zandvoort is also very strong. It's very stiff, baby, it's fast and it doesn't matter. So make sure I do.
"If I'm physically healthy, then I'll think mentally and things will be easier going into the weekend, like there are fewer questions to answer."
After finishing 16th in the Spa race, Ricciardo admits he couldn't expect it all to come together so quickly, even after a relatively short time out of the cockpit.
Also Read:- Susie Wolff to Shoot up to set afloat new Formula 1 with Females
"Nine days ago I didn't drive this car," he said. "So when I put things into perspective, I think all is well. And from what I understand, I think we've done the last few laps in the fresh air, we're actually at a decent pace.
"So it's probably not that bad. But now that I'm back in the sport, I've got a hobby, I want to make sure I'm successful.
Also Read:- Sergio Perez to be on Podium as Max Dominates his F1 Career for the Year
After joining Daniel Ricciardo, the In Alpha Tauri team returned the teams to other races before he was given an official summer break with limited training time to replace Nyck De Vries.