Daniel Ricciardo was just 17 years old when he left Australia to chase his motor racing dream.

And for the past eight years, he’s carried the weight of a nation on his shoulders as the sole Australian on the F1 circuit.

What the determined kid from Duncraig wants to be remembered for is his sacrifice to be the best — something his nation has now acknowledged.

The 32-year-old is one of 155 people across the nation to be appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

Community service, mentorship and sporting achievements have seen Ricciardo emerge as one of Australia’s most recognisable sports stars.

“I’m extremely proud to receive the award, just to be named alongside the previous recipients is pretty special,” Ricciardo tells The West Australian.

“It wasn’t easy leaving Australia to chase this F1 dream, I was 17 at the time and it was a long road ahead, so for my home to recognise that effort, the passion and determination, it really does mean a lot.

“Representing Australia on this (F1) stage, it does put a big smile on my face, I’m just really proud.”

Ricciardo’s reward also coincides with his first trip home to Perth in two years.

He was still driving for Renault the last time he was with family but his return comes just in time to reminisce on his first season at McLaren.

“It’s been awesome to get home, especially over the summer,” he says.

“First and foremost it’s been about spending some quality time with the family, it had been a while.

“Then it’s been great to see some friends, if it’s spending some time outdoors, some fishing, some backyard cricket, it’s been nice.

“Coming back home also just helps me switch off from racing for a few weeks, it gives me the reset to then get back into training for the year ahead.”

Ricciardo finished eighth overall in the 2021 driver standings, claiming just the one podium with his historic race win at Monza.

He rates the Italian triumph as the highlight of his career to date and hopes it’s a feeling he’ll be able to experience more frequently in his second season with McLaren.

“Through the ups and downs you learn a lot, whether that’s managing pressure, expectations or even understanding more about myself,” Ricciardo says.

“The last year really did help with finding perspective, knowing that it’s not always about winning and instead understanding how to navigate through that, finding happiness and comfort even if it’s not going all your own way.

“That Monza feeling was huge and I want that more and more often. I know what I felt that weekend, how I got to that place, so it’s about me doing a few little processes that put me back in that place.

“I know what got me there, so practice makes perfect.”