The pressure has been mounting on McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo for a while now. The Aussie driver has failed to perform consistently with the team ever since he joined them at the beginning of the 2021 season.

But after the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, there were first signs of criticism thrown toward him by McLaren CEO Zak Brown. Daniel finished the race in P12 in Barcelona while his teammate, who, despite not being well during the entire race weekend, came in P8.

Ricciardo, during an interview ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, responded to the criticism from Brown. “Comments I don’t take personally. I’m tanned, thick, and beautiful. It’s been certainly testing at times. We are working hard at it. The team wants it and I want it (to do better),” said Daniel.

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Zak revealed in an interview with Sky Sports after Barcelona stated Daniel has not performed up to his or the team’s expectations. The American did not hold back on his words and gave a logical answer to Ricciardo’s struggles with them.

McLaren’s CEO calls out Daniel Ricciardo for his poor performances

The Aussie driver joined the Woking-Based team with high expectations at the beginning of the 2021 season. But he has generally struggled against his teammate Lando Norris, who has outshone him on most occasions.

“Daniel is just not comfortable yet with the car. We’re trying everything we can. Again, it was a disappointing weekend. Short of [Ricciardo’s win at] Monza and a few races, it’s generally not kind of met his or our expectations, as far as what we were expecting,” said Brown.

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The noise around Daniel and his performances is growing louder with every passing weekend. The good thing is that he is aware of his struggles and is actively working toward doing better.

But he really needs to show progress on the track in terms of results. Maybe a good outing in Monaco GP this weekend will get him the redemption he needs right now. Who all remember the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix?