Formula 1: Is Daniel Ricciardo nearing McLaren exit? Former F1 drivers Alan Jones and Jacques Villeneuve feel that Daniel Ricciardo’s time at McLaren is nearing its end as the Australian driver is struggling to get a hold of this years MCL36 challenger. The honeybadger has started the 2022 season on a torrid note. Follow Formula 1 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
On being asked about Ricciardo’s struggles, Villeneuve did not hold back his feelings as he openly said “Ricciardo’s time at McLaren is over. Zak Brown is already saying that there are clauses in the contract and that means that a decision has basically been made. It’s a way to put pressure on the driver and prepare the media. Ultimately, he is a dearly paid driver who costs the team a lot of money.”
Formula 1: Is Daniel Ricciardo nearing McLaren EXIT? Former F1 drivers feel the Aussie’s time is all but OVER – Check Out
“He doesn’t bring in any points and he doesn’t have the speed the team needs to develop the car. So he just costs them money. It would be cheaper to continue paying Ricciardo’s salary, let him sit on the couch at home and put another driver in the car. It’s the harsh reality, but that’s Formula 1,” he further added.
Meanwhile, the 1980 F1 champion also echoed same feelings about his fellow Australian. Speaking to Herald Sun, he said “Unless he makes a few improvements, quick smart, I really can’t see him being there for too much longer, to be honest. A contract in Formula 1 doesn’t mean much but if the situation remains the same as it is I have no doubt in my mind they will exercise one of those options that are in the contract. He is a great little race driver and he is a hell of a nice guy but, of course, we all know nice guys don’t get anywhere, particularly in F1.”
Daniel Ricciardo signed a three-year contract with McLaren last year itself that sees him with the team till 2023. But since joining the team he hasn’t lived up to the expectations that everybody had of him. Although, he won the Italian Grand Prix in 2021 but other than that he had nothing to show. He even finished the 2021 season in the eighth spot with 115 points.
RICCIARDO WINS THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX FOR A MCLAREN 1-2! 👏#F1 #Formula1 #ItalianGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/CGEYDMBwKi
— Autosport (@autosport) September 12, 2021
Formula 1: Is Daniel Ricciardo nearing McLaren EXIT? Former F1 drivers feel the Aussie’s time is all but OVER – Check Out
This year started on a low note for the Honey Badger as his best result came in Australian Grand Prix, where he finished sixth. In seven races, he has had one retirement, and in the other five races he finished below the tenth spot, meaning he got zero points.
Ricciardo sees himself down in the eleventh spot in the drivers’ standings with just 11 points to his name. The CEO of McLaren Zak Brown went publicly and told the media that he is also not impressed with Ricciardo’s performances on the track. Meanwhile, Colton Herta is the one who can replace the Australian if McLaren part ways with him.
Formula 1: Is Daniel Ricciardo nearing McLaren EXIT? Former F1 drivers feel the Aussie’s time is all but OVER – Check Out
