Australian racing star Daniel Ricciardo has inadvertently wrecked a few flashy vehicles in his time on the Formula One circuit, but graffitiing a $400,000 luxury sports car might be considered his worst bungle yet.
Swamped by media and fans in Melbourne's street art-laden Hosier Lane on Wednesday, Ricciardo and Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen each spray painted their respective racing numbers on the side doors of two Aston Martin DB11 coupes.
When asked who was the better street artist in the Red Bull stable, the 28-year-old Ricciardo quipped: "That's for you guys to decide".
The Perth native, who finished fifth in the drivers' standings last season, insisted he was taking the media attention on home turf in his stride as he strives to break Australia's Albert Park hoodoo on Sunday.
"Everyone still seems to be excited ... that's the main thing. I'm not getting beer cans thrown at me, so that's good," Ricciardo told reporters.
Ahead of hitting the track for the season-opening Grand Prix practice session on Thursday, the local hope said a busy schedule would prevent him from indulging in some of Melbourne's creature comforts to settle his pre-race nerves.
"I guess because my face is plastered up in quite a few places around town, if I walk around I'm probably going to get stopped and not really get a chance to enjoy it," Ricciardo said.
"As a kid, I used to come for the race and I always loved the city, even when I was too young to go out.
"I always felt like there was some really good energy and obviously great places to eat and drink. I'd like to do it properly, but for this week it's more just (racing)."
But post-race the five-time Grand Prix winner has plans to let loose.
"Sunday night I'll enjoy some comforts," he said.
"A good hamburger, we'll start with that."
Maybe he'll get to wash it down with a gigantic bottle of winner's champagne.
Australian Associated Press
