Oscar Piastri has replaced his compatriot Daniel Ricciardo from Mclaren ahead of the 2023 season. The transition at McLaren signifies the radical change in Australia’s motorsport history. This is a classic example of the veteran class making way for the fiery youth.
For over a decade, Ricciardo largely represented the Aussies in F1 and the motorsport world, as he is the most popular motorsport athlete from there. But now, with him not having a seat in 2023 and no guarantee over his return, his throne is wide open.
Here comes Piastri. The biggest young talent in F1 right now, for whom two constructors were even prepared to go to the court. He has won every feeder series in Europe in his rookie season. Therefore, there is massive excitement around him before his F1 debut.
And with a move like this, he looks prepared to take over the deal of representing Australia in the motorsport world. But it’s hard to crack in F1 for long, and a veteran returning isn’t a big thing right now. So we’ll have to wait before cementing him with the tag.
Also read: Toto Wolff always wanted his driver to race for rival team Red Bull in the future
Oscar Piastri goes out for a ride with Daniel Ricciardo
While such transitions usually cause friction between the two entities. The two F1 drivers seem to keep away all the media buzz and backstory behind their events under a rug to have a good time with each other.
On Monday morning in Australia, Piastri was spotted with Ricciardo in a Mclaren 720s. While it’s not clear who is handling the wheel, considering Australia is a right-hand drive nation, it’s probably him driving the car.
The $310,000 worth of the car must have been McLaren’s signing gift for their new superstar. It’s no secret that every McLaren driver has been spoilt by their beautiful collection over the years.
Honey-badger never blamed his successor
While it may look like that on paper, to make space for Piastri, Mclaren let Ricciardo go. However, in an interview, Mark Webber disclosed that they entered the negotiation stage with the Papaya team after learning that they are letting the Honey-badger go at the end of the 2022 season.
On the other hand, Ricciardo told the media that he doesn’t have any animosity with Piastri for replacing him at McLaren. According to him, it’s just a business for the team, and Piastri should be allowed to celebrate his breakthrough in F1.
He even spoke against the negative comments against Piastri when his McLaren news came out. According to him, a few fans were harsh on him and criticized him for his biggest career moment so far.
Ricciardo also accepts that his F1 career was going down, and his performances didn’t back him enough for another year in F1. After getting out, Ricciardo snubbed all the offers he received and chose a sabbatical. He’ll be in touch with F1 with his third driver role at Red Bull.
Also read: Red Bull chief reveals where Max Verstappen will find success after F1
