Daniel Ricciardo more sensitive to mental illness problems

Daniel Ricciardo has said that he has become more aware and sensitive to people suffering with mental illnesses around the world. The cheerful Australian confirmed that he had a friend who tackled depression which opened his eyes more to the issues.

"I’ve got some friends who have gone through some stuff,’’ Ricciardo told Australia's Herald Sun. "There are a few people who have been closer to me so I’m trying to do my little part if I can and help out. To be honest it’s something that is quite new me to me in terms of my understanding of it all. Only within the last six or so months I’ve, lets say, opened my eyes to it a bit more. It’s not something that many people talk about but it happens and it’s a big problem to a lot of people."

Ricciardo's friend, Stefani Caminiti, who founded Inner Ninja, an organization that helps fight mental illness, says that Ricciardo has been a big help to her. "He’s been one of my biggest supporters,"’ she said. "We’ve been lifelong friends ... he’s one of my great mates and I’m very lucky that he helped me."