On the Brink of Sad F1 Exit, NASCAR Owner Expresses Major Interest in Daniel Ricciardo to Mixed Reaction From Fans
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo drives Dale Earnhardt Sr’s 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR around the circuit REUTERS/Mike Blake
NASCAR has had a budding relationship with F1 in recent years and Project 91 is given a lot of credit for that. Well, this relationship could grow even more, as there are murmurs of a Daniel Ricciardo possibly heading to NASCAR.
Project 91’s intention is to find world-class drivers from different motorsports and bring them to NASCAR. The possible introduction of Daniel Ricciardo would supercharge the program as well as the sport, given the global following of F1 and the Australian himself.
The 360 view of @DanielRicciardo’s NASCAR run! 🤯👀 we think it’s the best seat in the house! pic.twitter.com/4bCkAI1F3O
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) October 27, 2021
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Ricciardo currently stands without a seat (pun intended) for the 2023 season of F1. He has not been at the receiving end of any attractive offers from F1 teams. There has been an offer from the IndyCar series but Ricciardo has not reciprocated the interest.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 11, 2022 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo before the race REUTERS/Ciro De Luca
A similar interest, it now seems, is also originating from Project 91 and NASCAR. Justin Marks, the co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, said “[Daniel Ricciardo is] aware of Project 91 and he knows that there’s interest on our side, (but) I think he’s figuring out what his F1 deal is.”
By the looks of it, the 33-year-old Australian looks to be clinging on to hopes of a late offer from an F1 team. The chances of that however look increasingly slim.
Team Daniel Ricciardo voices their thoughts
Ricciardo’s fans have come to back him as this news broke out. Some have shown support for him, and have criticized McLaren’s treatment of the fan favorite.
The way he’s been treated in formula one just isn’t right. I do hope that he can find a competitive ride and finish out his career the way he wants to. And then eventually try out stock car racing.
— Daniel Soto (@DanDomSoto) September 21, 2022
Give him a full time ride
— Cars NCS 28 (@NcsZl1) September 21, 2022
We will welcome him to NASCAR if he does want to come for a race or two
— Mark (@Mark11242003) September 21, 2022
At the same time, some have asked to give the Aussie some more thinking time. It is a valid point given the amount of media attention his lack of certainty regarding 2023 is getting.
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Stop pushing other motorsports down his throat. Let the man decide
— Frodobaggyballs 🅙 (@frodobaggybaiis) September 22, 2022
Few don’t think the move has the legs to go the distance.
As much as I’d love to see it. He’s already expressed he has no interest in racing ovals
— Brady Hill (@HockeyHill12) September 22, 2022
Others are of the opinion that the Aussie is just not good enough. They seem to be sounding the death knell for his career. A little harsh, one would think.
Performance is WHAT MATTERS in F1, a 33 year old who especially in the New Regulation change year has shown ZERO Capacity for Driver Adaptability, means he is a 1 Trick Pony. Being a GREAT Driver means being able to adapt to the Car they are given…sorry but that’s F1!
— Amanda (@Amanda_kisses) September 21, 2022
Hmmm not a fan of him. Better Australian drivers around
— Robert Ryan (@ryanrobert05) September 22, 2022
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Well he better get on it. That’s DR’s only chance at relevance anymore. Come bask in it
— Jeff Purvis Fan Councel (@JeffPurvisFan) September 21, 2022
Fans always are very emotional and passionate when it comes to their favorite teams (or rivals). One must always take these views with a pinch of salt.
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Ricciardo has been a fan favorite. His contagious smile and happy personality were always a welcome sight around the paddocks in years prior. However, the lack of all that as well as his incisive skills are a cause for concern. Fans hope they can see The Honey Badger back, happy as ever.
Written by:
Edited by:
Ankit Sharma