It’s finally here! It’s a race week. The Bahrain Grand Prix will kick things off for the 2023 season, with the first race only a few days away. Everyone invested in this sport we love is pumped for racing to finally begin. The stars of Formula 1 have already taken to the track in the pre-season testing in Bahrain. However, the actual test begins at the weekend. This is exactly why ESPN F1 decided to showcase their excitement with a throwback video featuring Daniel Ricciardo. However, apart from sparking excitement in fans, the clip is also making the fans miss the Australian.

We are all aware of the unfortunate turn of events that took place in the 2022 silly season, leaving Ricciardo seatless. However, despite offers from various teams, Ricciardo made the conscious choice of staying away from the grid in 2023. In fact, the honey badger opted to join his former team, Red Bull, in the third driver capacity.

No driver in Formula 1 wants to stay away from the grid. Especially after being part of it for so long and especially when it’s forced upon them. The Australian did walk away with a hefty compensation fee from his McLaren ousting. However, Ricciardo admitted he will miss the “noise, the sound, the smell … all of it” ahead of the season opener. 

Despite choosing this outcome for 2023, we can always count on Ricciardo to bring a smile to a few faces. This is exactly what Ricciardo did vicariously, as ESPN F1 shared a timeless throwback of Ricciardo dancing.

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However, aimed at bringing smiles to the fans, the clip is also making the fans miss the Australian.

ESPN F1 clip making the fans miss Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo’s omission from the 2023 grid was a fact for fans across the globe. However, the season opener in Bahrain will definitely hit hard. ESPN’s attempt to bring a few smiles to the fans’ faces also was a hit and a miss, as fans couldn’t help but share their despair at Ricciardo’s absence.

One fan even admitted the reality of Ricciardo not being a part of the grid is making them cry. User @dsgalippa tweeted, “Stop it, I’m going to cry 😢”.

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However, the timeless classic clip is still achieving its target with some fans, as a fair few also enjoyed Ricciardo’s belly shake. Never change Danny Ric, never change!