Daniel Ricciardo had a tough year in 2022 with McLaren. That also resulted in him getting axed by McLaren for the 2023 season and got replaced by his compatriot Oscar Piastri.
With no driver for 2023, Ricciardo surely is at risk of never returning to F1. So, the thought of it would be troubling all his life. He has worked to be on this platform.
Moreover, Ricciardo was having a tough time at McLaren, and with every passing day, it worsened. So, surely the Australian was not having a great time, and it was mentally affecting him. That’s why Ricciardo also chose to stay away from driving this year and opt for a third driver role at Red Bull.
⚠️ | Christian Horner on Ricciardo’s Red Bull departure:
“Daniel joined us as a teenager, and he grew up with the team here.
“He had some great success here with us, and then he went and did something stupid and went to drive for a couple of other teams.”
— F24 (@Formula24hrs) December 7, 2022
Also read: Christian Horner on money they had to pay to FIA for Max Verstappen-Sergio Perez dominance in 2022
Daniel Ricciardo found a true friend in Sebastian Vettel
Ricciardo reveals that of all the drivers, Sebastian Vettel was the most supportive and empathetic to him. The 33-year-old reveals that the four-time world champion regularly checks on him by making calls.
“He’s picked up the phone multiple times this year and just been a friend and just showing care and just checking in as a true friend will do,” Ricciardo said of his phone calls from Vettel. “To have friends like that is so important, but it’s also not that common on the grid.”
He further adds that there are friendships in F1. But Vettel was super nice to him, which is rare. He appreciated the German’s efforts. Like Ricciardo, Vettel will also not be there for the 2023 season, as the latter decided to retire.
What are his plans now?
While Ricciardo isn’t in any regular starting spot, he has committed himself to Red Bull as the third driver. But he won’t be there with them every Grand Prix.
Instead, he has decided to be away from F1 and give himself a needed break. Recently he revealed that he’s interested in a trans-American trip on a mini motorbike.
He claims such an adventure will give him time to think and be with himself to decide his future. Though, as of now, he plans to be back on the 2024 grid.
But will he get a shot in one of the desirable teams according to his standards? That is a big question. Teams like Williams and Haas were willing to sign him, but with new drivers at the helm, will they make changes for him? That’s also doubtful.
Also read: Max Verstappen is willing to break a leg despite Red Bull ban
