“Michael Jordan was the first hero I ever really had”: McLaren F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo talks about the influence The GOAT had on him

When asked to reveal his non-racing hero, F1 star driver Daniel Ricciardo named Michael Jordan as the first real hero he ever had.

Michael Jordan is one of the greatest players to step on the NBA hardwood. MJ was really redefining how the sport was played and perceived. And for almost 15 years, the legend of the Chicago Bulls has been 100% committed on both sides of the floor. The result? The 6-foot-6 combo guard retired with one of the most decorated résumés in league history.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Air Jordan has been selected for 14 All-Star Games, 11 All-NBA Teams, 9 All-Defensive Teams, won 10 Scoring titles, the ROTY, DPOY, 5 MVPs, 6 titles, 6 Finals MVPs, and is even anchored in the renowned Hall-Of-Fame.

To this day, fans from all over the world are speechless when they look at his unreal highlight reel. Regarded by many as the god of basketball, the Bulls legend is rightly the top contender in the GOAT debate.

Also Read: JJ Redick Tells A Hilarious Little Anecdote To Prove Just How Feared The Lakers Superstar Really Is

“When Michael Jordan stopped playing, basketball was dead to me”: Daniel Ricciardo

In addition to being a legend in the basketball fraternity, His Airness is a global sports icon that attracts many athletes from various sports. Numerous athletes of this time grew up hoping to be like Mike. No matter what sport they play, every aspiring athlete who grew up wanted Air Jordan to succeed.

F1 racing driver Daniel Ricciardo revealed that Mike was the first he ever had. The McLaren driver went on to explain that, in addition to several racing photos, he also had pictures of Jordan in his bedroom. “The honey badger” continues talked about MJ:

“As a kid, I had Michael Jordan before I had racing photos in my bedroom. It was funny, it was him or nothing. When he was playing, I was playing basketball in the back yard, and as soon as it stopped, basketball was dead to me. It was crazy how much he attracted me to it. “

“I think the real one, like the first hero I ever had, was Michael Jordan.”

&

Stars share their athletic heroes, reply yours below! @ F1 @NBA # NBA75 pic.twitter.com/eYgYYA5fNK

– NBA UK (@NBAUK) November 25, 2021

Also read: From Camrys to Aston Martins, the Black Jesus has impeccable taste in the all-wheel drive department

Of course, the 32-year-old Australian knows a thing or two about height himself. He is considered one of the best overtakers on the F1 starting field, has won 8 races, reached the podium 32 times, taken 3 pole positions, with 16 fastest laps and a total of 1265 career points, an illustrious career.