Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 23, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo before the race Pool via REUTERS/Sebastien Nogier
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 23, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo before the race Pool via REUTERS/Sebastien Nogier
While many expected Daniel Ricciardo to take McLaren to the next level this season, it hasn’t turned out that way so far. Although some may excuse his poor form for the time needed to adjust to a new environment, Lando Norris’ consistent performances don’t help his case.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
With 14 races left this season, Ricciardo admitted the best way to move forward is to accept his struggles.
Daniel Ricciardo revealed his acceptance is the easiest way forward
In nine races so far, he has scored points in seven of them. However, with 40 points, the Australian is not just behind his teammate Norris, but both Ferrari drivers in the drivers’ championship. In fact, Norris’ total of 101 points is over 70% of McLaren’s points tally so far.
Hence, there is cause for concern when it comes to Ricciardo’s debut season with McLaren. While drivers like Sergio Perez and Sebastian Vettel struggled in their initial races with their respective teams, they seem to have settled in. However, it seems Ricciardo is struggling to come to grips with the papaya car.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Steiermark Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Styria, Austria – June 26, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the Steiermark Grand Prix REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
While the Australian continues to search for answers, he admits the best way forward is to accept his situation. He said, “I have the feeling that for whatever reason it has been a very unexpected and difficult season so far, especially in terms of pace. And I think the easiest way for me to move forward is to accept that.” (Translated via Google Translate)
READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo Reveals the Most Embarrassing Moment in His F1 Career
Ricciardo: Definitely expected more this season
While his season hasn’t started very well, Ricciardo admitted he expected more this season. However, he believes expecting to be faster than Norris every weekend could make him resent F1.
“Did I expect more? Definitely,” said the Honey Badger. “But I think if I compete every weekend with the expectation to be faster than Lando – or whatever – I’ll probably just get annoyed. Obviously something is still missing.”
Despite his struggles, the Australian showed flashes of his former self at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend. With F1 returning to its birthplace at the British Grand Prix, Ricciardo will hope to build on his P7 finish last weekend.
WATCH STORY: When F1 Drivers Had a Blast on Top Gear Featuring Hamilton, Vettel & Ricciardo
