“Michael Jordan Would Use Anything”: Daniel Ricciardo Once Revealed ‘MJs Mantra’ That Helped Him Beat Max Verstappen

Even though Daniel Ricciardo has established himself as one of the best drivers on the current grid, he finds himself without a race seat for the 2023 season. The Australian only managed to secure a test driver seat with Red Bull for this year after he had a disastrous campaign with McLaren over the last two seasons.

Considering the struggles the 33-year-old had over the past few years, it is easy to forget that he also had some sublime drivers with the British outfit. One of them took place at Monza in 2021 when Ricciardo claimed his eighth F1 win.

The Australian pulled off a mega drive as he beat former Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen despite starting behind him on the grid. After the race, Ricciardo explained how he took inspiration from basketball legend Michael Jordan to pull off such an incredible win.

Ricciardo got his revenge against Verstappen at 2021 Italian GP

After winning the 2021 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Daniel Ricciardo explained how he got his revenge over Max Verstappen. The Australian stated that the last time he was on the front row with Verstappen, it was the Dutchman who got the better of him into turn one in Mexico from P2.

He then went on to elaborate on how Michael Jordan inspired him to pull off a move over Verstappen at Monza in 2021 by adding, “Like honestly, I tell you how it works. Anyone who has seen The Last Dance, there was the part where Jordan would use anything to fuel him, any comment, even if he would make it up in his head”.

 

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Daniel Ricciardo parted ways with McLaren after poor 2022 season

Daniel Ricciardo had an awful 2022 campaign with McLaren as he was way off the pace as compared to his teammate Lando Norris. The 33-year-old finished eleventh in the championship with just 37 points, a staggering 85 points behind Norris.

This stunning pace difference between the two meant that McLaren had no option but to part ways with Ricciardo. After leaving the British outfit, the Australian re-joined Red Bull for the 2023 season but this time as only a test driver.

Since Ricciardo does not have a race seat anymore, he has stated on various occasions that he hopes to return to the grid for the 2024 season. Now it remains to be seen whether any team would be keen on signing him for next year.