Daniel Ricciardo has never been the same driver ever since he joined McLaren in 2021. A testament to this has been the entirety of 2022. The Honey Badger, once known for his late braking and supreme overtakes, has had a nightmare year with the Papaya team.

Even though the driver within him has been compromised by this stint at the Woking-based team, it would appear that the man himself has been through a lot. While talking to Motorsport.com, the Australian explained his whole McLaren predicament in a nutshell.

He said, “When I was driving a car that didn’t dance with me and annoyed me, my self-confidence was declining. I started talking to a psychologist last year – the hardest year I’ve ever had.” [translated via Google Translate]

It seems the Honey Badger had to talk to a psychologist to keep his mental health in check.

Respite for Ted Kravitz as Red Bull – Sky Sports Divorce Set To Come to an End, Christian Horner Reveals Deadline

Daniel Ricciardo is out of a race seat in 2023. That being said, according to an F1 insider, the Honey Badger is in fact in talks with two top teams to figure out a solution for his 2024 aspirations.

Toto Wolff admits Daniel Ricciardo is in talks with Red Bull and Mercedes

Mercedes and Red Bull would be a dream for any F1 driver right now. That being said, with the position that he finds himself in, Ricciardo would be glad that he’s been linked to a reserve driver role with the teams.

Toto Wolff said, “I think Daniel is speaking to a few teams about a potential role, also Red Bull.”

Trending

Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat

April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal

April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

Miami GP 2024: Max Verstappen Embraces the American Spirit With Helmet Design

April 23, 2024 06:15 PM EDT

Carlos Sainz Blames Charles Leclerc for Causing Fred Vasseur’s Painful Chinese GP Loss

April 21, 2024 12:23 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Wolff was also pretty open about their dealings with the Australian. He stated, “For us, we very much like him, he’s a great character but we are not in a position yet who is going to be our third driver.”

Watch This Story: Understanding the Drama Behind the Ferrari Mercedes Budget Cost Cap Battle Against Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo has been one of the most important and talented drivers Formula 1 has ever seen. But if he does land a reserve driver role for either Red Bull or Mercedes in 2023, will that spell out a potential race seat for the Australian in 2024 or beyond?