Daniel Ricciardo is seeing his stock plummet with one after the other poor display in his McLaren. However, the Australian is not letting any criticism and skepticism or even poor performances bring him down. And this even includes the recent rumors hinting towards an early exit despite a valid contract.
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Ricciardo is a top driver, however, his performances have not been up to his usual high standards. The dip in form came right after Ricciardo left Red Bull for Renault for a new challenge. However, after joining Mclaren with teammate Lando Norris, there were high hopes from the pair. But the Australian form has not yet picked up for his new team as he is often outclassed by his young teammate.
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But despite all the negativity surrounding Ricciardo, the Honey Badger is keeping his head high and powering through. Commenting on the Mclaren exit rumors, Ricciardo said, “I am contracted to the team until next year. That is as black and white as it is and I want to make it work. The last few weekends I had my back against the wall. But there are days like Monza last year and I want to get that feeling back.”
DIVE DEEPER
Ricciardo still focusing on his only win for Mclaren at the Italian Grand Prix and using it for motivation. This is a good sign for the team as well because they can see their driver motivated despite all the criticism and doubt. Norris is performing consistently and finishing in points in the current season, which should further work as motivation for Ricciardo.
Zak Brown’s comments, which led to exit rumors of Daniel Ricciardo
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For a team like McLaren, points are extremely important as they fight the midfield. And the finish outside top ten in Monaco marked Ricciardo’s fourth race in a row without points. This was an equally frustrating aspect for the driver and the team, which led to Zak Brown’s comment on Ricciardo’s future.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren F1 prepares to drive in the garage during Formula 1 testing at Yas Marina Circuit on December 14, 2021 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
“I don’t want to get into the contract [details]. But there are mechanisms in which we’re committed to each other and then there’s mechanisms in which we’re not.” said Brown.
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No matter the situation surrounding Ricciardo’s future, he is pushing past it all and focusing only on racing.
