Daniel Ricciardo Highlights Key Differences Between Red Bull and McLaren Management – “They Weren’t Trying to Kick Me Down”
In the last few seasons, Daniel Ricciardo seemed to be on his own journey, a search for a new home. And after a couple of years with Renault, Ricciardo seemed to have found his place at McLaren.
Despite his first season not being full of stellar, championship-level performances, Ricciardo did manage to put in a few ‘noteworthy’ performances. But even more important than that, and what probably is the biggest takeaway from his first season at McLaren is how the team embraced him, regardless of the situation.
This is something Ricciardo explained compared to his former team, Red Bull. He spoke about Helmut Marko and how his treatment made up his growth process quicker. “Helmut is a guy which, through my junior career, there was a lot of tough love, and I think that was really good for me because it made me grow up quicker,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But in McLaren’s case, the honey badger said, “Here, the first half of the season in particular, there was a lot of support and they weren’t trying to kick me down or put me down when I was already down, they were trying to bring me up.”
“I’m not saying I want to be cuddled all the time, but I think their way about dealing with it and going about it and not overwhelming me was really nice, and I feel that,” Ricciardo continued.
“I feel that with the team. There is a lot of family-style support.”
It’s been real, DR. ✌️
Enjoy the break and see you in 2022! 🍯🦡 @DanielRicciardo pic.twitter.com/x4kmnp9wYQ
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) December 14, 2021
Daniel Ricciardo wants to finish his career at McLaren
The Australian described several reasons why his time at McLaren has been better than any of his other stints in the past. But the main reason he considers McLaren as the team where he’ll say farewell to F1 is because of the season he had in 2021, which he describes as, “maybe the most difficult year of my career.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ricciardo said, “So I’m also like, ‘If I can win [last year] then what does that tell for our journey to come?'”
Trending
Lando Norris Faces Brutal Injury After Party With Martin Garrix Goes Wrong Ahead of Miami GP
April 27, 2024 07:33 PM EDT
Lando Norris’ Brutal Injury Revealed; Brit May Be Ready in Time for Miami GP
April 28, 2024 02:09 PM EDT
Lando Norris Puts Miami GP in Jeopardy, Will Pato O’Ward Take His Spot?
April 28, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
Adrian Newey to Ferrari: “Poor” Carlos Sainz’s Biggest Loss After Frederic Vasseur Pushes Spaniard Out Says Ex Ferrari Boss
April 27, 2024 09:05 PM EDT
Adrian Newey’s Close Friend Breaks Silence on Potential Move to Frederic Vasseur’s Camp
April 26, 2024 07:58 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I’m definitely excited, and I do want to be here, potentially till the end, yep.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think the 2021 season was Daniel Ricciardo’s best?