Red Bull Racing F1 team principal Christian Horner has said it was “extremely sad” that Daniel Ricciardo has lost his seat with the McLaren F1 team for 2023.
Ahead of last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, the McLaren F1 team has finally confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo will be sacked at the end of the season, one year before his contract expires.
Daniel Ricciardo’s dismissal is surprising considering Alpine F1 team junior Oscar Piastri is waiting for the green light to join the McLaren F1 team after F1’s ‘silly season’ gets into full swing over the summer break. That’s not the point.
Daniel Ricciardo spent five years with Red Bull, finishing third in the drivers’ championship in 2014 and 2016, winning seven races.
Asked about Daniel Ricciardo’s situation, Christian Horner admitted: “There is nothing like when he was with us.”
“It’s very sad. I’m not familiar with the subject. I’ve spoken with Daniel a little bit and I doubt he’s the same driver as when he was with us. He’s one of the nicest guys.”
“He certainly has that ability. I hope he can find a seat in F1. I hope he can show his charm. When he was with Seb[Vettel](2014). 2012), you have to think about how he performed and how close he was with Max when he first joined the team.”
“It’s hard for him, but I really hope he finds something for the future.”
Christian Horner believes Daniel Ricciardo’s predicament with the McLaren F1 team was a result of him “lacking confidence”, which affected his bubbly and smiley personality.
“We’ve seen how close they were[from 2016 to 2018]. Max has evolved since Daniel left the team, but Daniel was right there in that era. He He put in some great performances and it was sad to see him leave the team and his confidence was shattered.”
“We were used to seeing him show off his shoe on the podium and play with that smile, but that’s not the case anymore. F1 would rather have him in this championship. I hope he finds an opportunity to further his career.”
Daniel Ricciardo currently has no confirmed seat for 2023 but is linked with a return to the Haas F1 team and Williams, as well as to the Alpine F1 team.
Category: F1 / red bull / mclaren / Daniel Ricardo