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ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 02: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia in the (3) McLaren MCL36 Mercedes during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 02, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Alex Pantling – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 02: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia in the (3) McLaren MCL36 Mercedes during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 02, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Alex Pantling – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Daniel Ricciardo was once upon a time a master of late-braking and overtaking. However, since his move to McLaren in 2021, the Honey Badger has seemingly lost his edge. His former boss, Christian Horner however, believes that there is still hope to salvage his career.
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Daniel Ricciardo stormed the Formula 1 scene with Red Bull. His Red Bull career has spanned 7 iconic race wins including the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix. However, at McLaren, he has failed to extract the potential from his car and has been consistently outclassed by his teammate Lando Norris. As a consequence, his time at McLaren will come to an end with the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Speaking to Tom Clarkson on his podcast ‘Beyond the Grid‘ Horner revealed, “He’s obviously lost his way a bit but it would be great to see him remain in the sport.”. When asked whether Alpine should seek his services for next year, Horner replied in the affirmative. He added, “He’s the type of guy, I think you could re-build him.”.
This is not the first time however that Red Bull boss Christian Horner has had a few words to say about the Australian.
Christian Horner feels “very sad” about unrecognizable Daniel Ricciardo amid McLaren exit
Christian Horner had the privilege of managing Daniel Ricciardo at his very peak. Unfortunately, since his Red Bull exit, the Honey Badger has languished in the midfield. At McLaren however, the Australian has hit a new low. His poor performances have led to him being axed from the team at the end of the 2o22 season.
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 27: Pole position qualifier Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying for the Formula One Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 27, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Horner said, “It’s just very sad.”. He went on to quip that he still has hope that Daniel Ricciardo could turn his career around. “I don’t recognise him as the same driver as he was with when he was with us. He’s one of the best guys out there. He’s definitely got that capability.”.
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Do you think Daniel Ricciardo could thrive once again at Alpine? Or should he wait a year on the sidelines to figure out his racing career?
Written by
Edited by
Ankit Sharma