
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 20, 2022 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the United States Grand Prix REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 20, 2022 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo ahead of the United States Grand Prix REUTERS/Ricardo Arduengo
The Bahrain Grand Prix made a lot of interesting revelations. Although among the less surprising ones was McLaren‘s performance during the race. To put it subtly, the Woking-based outfit was below par during the race following up on their mediocre pre-season testing. To add insult to injury, the MCL60 of rookie Oscar Piastri could not cross the finish line due to an electrical issue after just 15 laps. However, fans are reveling in this nightmarish start to life in Formula 1 for the replacement of Daniel Ricciardo.
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The charming Australian became a fan’s favorite during his time in the premier class. His wit and bubbly nature captured even the drivers along with the fans. This is exactly why McLaren’s treatment of Ricciardo wasn’t well-received by the masses.
The Australian did walk away $18 million richer from the premature contract termination. However, this left Ricciardo drive-less for the 2023 season. Staying away from the tack was a conscious choice from the Australian to help bring his love for racing back and cater to his mental health.

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – November 17, 2022. McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo during the press conference. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
As things stand, the McLaren ousting is working in Ricciardo’s favor. The Woking outfit made a horrendous start to the new season for the second year in a row. The Piastri DNF was a cherry on top as the rookie replaced Ricciardo for the 2023 season.
Read More: Daniel Ricciardo Decodes the Three-Lettered Cryptic Message Left on His F1 Helmet at Monaco
Vincenzo Landino mocked this turn of events on Twitter and the fans also conjured some sadistic pleasure from McLaren’s poor start.
Fans take to Twitter to celebrate Daniel Ricciardo following McLaren’s nightmarish start
Not just Piastri but Lando Norris also had a horrible start to the 2023 season. The Brit finished last in 17th following three DNFs in the race. The last place for one car that crossed the finished line is far from McLaren’s ambitions to finish top in the midfield battle.
This is exactly what the fans are celebrating.
Daniel got paid 18 million not to drive that car tbh he won 🤣
— Dyl (@HoodieUce) March 5, 2023
My man it's laughing with 18 mil on his bank account ❤️ https://t.co/fvYt5KA3OO
— Shary/DR3🍯🦡 (@schamorro89) March 5, 2023
The fans are pointing out the fact they paid Ricciardo $18 million to not drive a car that is at the bottom after the Bahrain race.
I’m screaming!!! 😂😂 https://t.co/ih5uLMLBF9
— Underground F1 🏁 (@Underground_F1) March 5, 2023
FUCK EM ALLLL https://t.co/mI6MoQgfiO
— yas ³ (@yxsminkhalil) March 5, 2023
— groovyoctopus (@giulia_opr) March 5, 2023
OH I LOVE IT https://t.co/GsdldQPrYU
— cas. (@riccnation) March 5, 2023
WATCH THIS STORY: Struggling ‘Honey Badger’ Daniel Ricciardo Once Dominated the Streets of Azerbaijan in Glorious 2017
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— Nick Thimm (@nick_thimm) March 5, 2023
IM LIVINGGGGG https://t.co/yvY1PfTP6l
— 𝑷𝒂𝒐 ³🦂 (@F1athletesweat) March 5, 2023
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Even after improvements and upgrades, McLaren has a steep hill to climb to catch up to the completion. The Honey Badger definitely dodged a bullet there!
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