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Emotional Daniel Ricciardo reveals how horror season has taken its toll after latest dismal result… as former Formula 1 world champion laments ‘sad’ downfall of downed McLaren star
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Daniel Ricciardo has lifted the lid on a troubled season for McLaren, admitting that ‘keep going’ in the face of adversity took its toll after another dismal result.
The Australian finished 16th at the US Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday, ahead of only Nicholas Latifi, the latest disappointment in a season in which he hasn’t scored a point in 14 of 19 races so far.
The 33-year-old, who will leave McLaren at the end of the season despite having 12 months left on his three-year contract, was visibly deflated when he spoke to the media on Sunday.
An emotional Daniel Ricciardo admitted he struggled to ‘continue’ after a dismal second season at McLaren
“I don’t know how to proceed,” he said.
‘I have no idea what to say. Frankly, it’s only 2022. […] If you think it can’t get any worse, it does.
‘That’s true, I don’t know, I don’t know how to go on, because [to say] ‘it’s painful’ is an understatement.’
Ricciardo has amassed 29 points this season, a whopping 80 less than teammate Lando Norris, who finished sixth on Sunday and has scored points in 15 races this year.
The Australian explained that he has struggled to master the car all season
And the Australian admitted he couldn’t explain the difference in pace with his teammate.
“It’s the year it’s been. So far off the pace, I just can’t lean on it [the car]I can’t push, I can’t take the time,’ he said.
“The inconsistency through the lap times, it shows it’s really a struggle, but to have such a big margin[to Norris] again it remains a mystery.
Ricciardo will leave McLaren at the end of the season, despite being under contract with the Woking team until the end of the 2023 campaign
“I love Texas, I love Austin, but that race wasn’t fun for me.”
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, 2009 world champion Jenson Button was similarly surprised at Ricciardo’s passing.
“It’s sad because he’s such a talent and to see him in the back of the field I can’t explain,” he said.
“That’s a difficult one.”
Ricciardo has been beaten regularly this season by teammate Lando Norris (right)
McLaren has agreed a $14 million payout with Ricciardo to replace him by compatriot Oscar Piastri in 2023.
Earlier this month, Ricciardo admitted he will not be on the grid next season, but insisted he was determined to return to Formula 1 in 2024.
The uncompetitive Williams and Haas are currently the only teams to finalize their 2023 line-up, after Alpine signed Pierre Gasly and Alpha Tauri replaced him with Dutchman Nyck de Vries.
Mercedes and Red Bull have both reportedly held talks with Ricciardo to make him their reserve driver for next season, but Button was unimpressed with either option.
Former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button had no idea when he tried to explain Ricciardo’s sudden and drastic decline since joining McLaren.
“I don’t see Daniel as the third driver in the paddock,” he said.
“It doesn’t work, but he clearly chose that” [and] it feels good to him.
“I’d rather he race in Formula 1 with a team further up the grid, then he can prove himself again in the car and maybe get a ride further up the grid.
“But as the third driver, people will remember his last race this year.”