Daniel Ricciardo has rarely had such a complicated start to the season. Only 14th at the finish of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Australian suffered a mechanical breakdown the following weekend in Jeddah, forcing him to retire. After two races, Ricciardo still hasn’t scored a single point.
After being tested positive for Covid in early March (preventing him from competing in the second week of winter testing), his team also turns out to be sick. Victim of overheating brake and grip problems, seventh place in Lando Norris at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is a trompe l’oeil, which hides the great difficulties encountered by McLaren. While Zak Brown’s team clinched five podiums and one victory in 2021, they will have to fight to enter the top ten in 2022.
In any case, this is what Daniel Ricciardo thinks, who is realistic in the face of this situation. Currently, the driver does not expect his team to make a leap in the hierarchy, as the known problems seem to be disabling. “I think mentally we have to be ready”believes the Australian, questioned by Motorsport.com on a possible empty passage.
“If in two races we fight for the top 5, then we’ll take that and that’ll be a bonus. But mentally, let’s say stay calm, calm, keep a cool head and be sensitive, we have to realize that we don’t not find three or four tenths, but more than a second if we want to fight for the victory. I doubt that will change overnight. We just have to be patient. And I believe that for the good of the team , it’s important to understand that. It’s too early to cause an earthquake.”
If he is not really optimistic, Ricciardo has not lost confidence in his team. The pilot still thinks the men and women of Woking are capable of turning the tide. “If we get there, it will definitely take longer than we hope. Without getting too excited, if we win a race this season, I won’t even be surprised because I still believe in this team and the process in square.”
“I think we have the qualities to get there”continues Ricciardo. “And I know that I have complete trust in people like Andreas [Seidl]. It’s true that a week ago, we were a bit, let’s say, in a crisis. But in my opinion, we quickly got out of it. But it’s true that we have to change course, and I think he’s one of the best guys to do that. So question me once more in six months, and maybe I won’t be surprised at our position.”
Before projecting himself so far, Ricciardo will have the opportunity to relaunch himself in front of his public next weekend. After two years of absence, the Australian Grand Prix is back on the calendar in Melbourne, on a modified Albert Park route.
