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Health and Fitness
Source : (remove) : MIT Technology Review
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Health and Fitness
Source : (remove) : MIT Technology Review
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Ricciardo now feeling 'STRONG' after sharing F1 fitness targets

Daniel Ricciardo Feels Stronger Than Ever: Setting Ambitious Fitness Targets Amid F1 Comeback

In the high-octane world of Formula 1, where physical and mental resilience can make or break a driver's season, Daniel Ricciardo is emerging as a beacon of determination. The Australian racer, known for his infectious smile and aggressive driving style, has openly shared that he's feeling physically stronger than at any point in his recent career. This resurgence comes at a pivotal time for Ricciardo, who has faced a rollercoaster of challenges over the past few years, including injuries, team changes, and performance dips. Now back with the RB team (formerly Visa Cash App RB), Ricciardo is not just participating in races—he's targeting a full-blown comeback, underpinned by rigorous fitness goals that he believes will propel him back to the front of the grid.

Ricciardo's journey back to peak form has been anything but straightforward. After a stellar tenure with teams like Red Bull and Renault, where he secured multiple race wins and podium finishes, his move to McLaren in 2021 didn't yield the expected results. Struggles with car adaptation and a dip in confidence led to an early contract termination at the end of 2022. However, his passion for the sport never waned. A brief stint as a reserve driver for Red Bull in 2023 paved the way for a mid-season return to the grid with AlphaTauri (now RB), replacing Nyck de Vries. But fate dealt a cruel blow when Ricciardo suffered a broken hand during a crash at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. The injury sidelined him for five races, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as young talent Liam Lawson stepped in and impressed.

Despite the setback, Ricciardo's recovery process highlighted his unwavering commitment to fitness. He underwent surgery and embarked on an intensive rehabilitation program, focusing on rebuilding strength in his hand and overall body conditioning. Speaking recently about his current state, Ricciardo emphasized how this period of adversity has actually fortified him. "I'm feeling strong, probably the strongest I've felt in a while," he revealed in an interview. This isn't just empty rhetoric; Ricciardo has been transparent about the metrics he's tracking. His fitness targets include enhancing his endurance, reaction times, and core strength—crucial elements for withstanding the grueling G-forces experienced in an F1 cockpit.

Delving deeper into his regimen, Ricciardo's approach combines traditional strength training with modern recovery techniques. He incorporates high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions to mimic the cardiovascular demands of a race, where drivers can lose up to 4kg in sweat during a single Grand Prix. Weightlifting focuses on his upper body, particularly to ensure his injured hand can handle the steering wheel's torque without faltering. But it's not all about brute force; Ricciardo has integrated yoga and Pilates into his routine for better flexibility and mental clarity. "Fitness in F1 isn't just about being the strongest; it's about being the most resilient," he noted, underscoring how these practices help him manage the mental toll of high-stakes racing.

This renewed physical prowess is already translating to on-track performance. In the 2024 season, Ricciardo started slowly, struggling with consistency in the early races. Points were hard to come by in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Australia, where he finished outside the top 10. However, a chassis change ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix marked a turning point. Suddenly, the car felt more responsive, aligning better with his driving style. In Miami, he delivered a standout sprint qualifying performance, securing a front-row start and finishing fourth in the sprint race—his best result of the season so far. While the main race didn't go as planned due to a collision, the signs of progress were evident.

Ricciardo's fitness targets extend beyond immediate recovery; they're geared toward long-term sustainability in a sport that's becoming increasingly demanding. With F1 calendars expanding to 24 races in 2024, including grueling triple-headers, drivers must maintain peak condition year-round. Ricciardo aims to hit specific benchmarks: improving his VO2 max (a measure of aerobic capacity) to elite levels, reducing his body fat percentage while building lean muscle, and enhancing his neck strength to better handle the lateral forces in corners. He's working closely with trainers and physiotherapists, using data from wearable tech to monitor progress. "I want to be in a position where I can push the car to its limits every lap, without my body holding me back," he explained.

This focus on fitness also ties into broader themes in Ricciardo's career narrative. At 34 years old, he's one of the more experienced drivers on the grid, but age is just a number in his book. He draws inspiration from veterans like Fernando Alonso, who at 42 continues to compete at the highest level through meticulous physical preparation. Ricciardo's mindset shift is palpable; gone are the days of self-doubt that plagued his McLaren stint. Instead, he's channeling a positive, proactive energy, often seen in his social media posts where he shares glimpses of his training sessions amid scenic backdrops in Perth or Monaco.

Looking ahead, Ricciardo's ambitions are clear. He wants to secure his seat at RB for 2025 and beyond, potentially even eyeing a return to the main Red Bull team if opportunities arise. With teammate Yuki Tsunoda performing strongly, the pressure is on, but Ricciardo thrives under it. His fitness targets are intertwined with performance goals: scoring consistent points, aiming for podiums in opportunistic races, and contributing to RB's push up the constructors' standings. The team, bolstered by Red Bull's technical expertise, has shown flashes of competitiveness, and Ricciardo believes his physical edge will help unlock more potential.

Critics might point to his age or past inconsistencies, but Ricciardo counters with evidence of his enduring talent. His overtaking prowess, honed over 240 Grand Prix starts, remains a weapon. Races like his memorable win at Monza in 2021 for McLaren remind fans of his capability. Now, with a body that's "feeling strong," he's poised to add more chapters to his legacy.

In essence, Daniel Ricciardo's story is one of resilience and reinvention. By setting and pursuing ambitious fitness targets, he's not just aiming to survive in F1—he's determined to thrive. As the season progresses, with upcoming challenges like the European leg starting in Imola, all eyes will be on whether this physical renaissance translates to sustained success on the track. For fans and fellow drivers alike, Ricciardo's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether he's flashing that trademark grin from the podium or grinding through a tough qualifying, one thing is certain: the Honey Badger is back, stronger than ever.

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