F1 star Daniel Ricciardo makes raw confession about his biggest mistake during time with Red Bull
Brutally honest Daniel Ricciardo brazenly confesses his biggest mistake during his time at Red Bull – and admits he was ‘humbled’ when he struggled a lot at McLaren
- Ego was Daniel Ricciardo’s downfall in his eyes
- Fan favorite is in his second stint at Red Bull
- Now a reserve driver, was on the 2014-2018 grid
Daniel Ricciardo has admitted a selfish attitude was his downfall during his first spell at Red Bull as he endured his first year without an F1 drive since 2010.
The Perth-born star, 33, shocked F1 fans when he defected to Renault in 2018 – and when he reflects on the move, he feels he was entitled to it when he spent four seasons on Red Bull’s books.
“Looking back on 2018… it was all about me, me, me,” Ricciardo told the Athletic.
“Sometimes I reacted a little too selfishly to a bad weekend.
‘Now I’m back at the [Red Bull] team, but I would say it’s a very selfless role. I have no hidden agenda.
Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that a selfish attitude was his downfall during his first spell at Red Bull between 2014 and 2018
Ricciardo in happier times with Red Bull after winning the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2018 – one of the highlights of his career
“I’m trying to rebuild myself.”
Ricciardo then moved to McLaren in 2020 – and the results have been grim.
He admitted to being ‘humiliated’ by the lack of success he experienced with the famed team when a shock run of poor form saw his F1 contract expire a year early.
He was sensationally replaced by fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri, leaving the fan favorite in the wilderness.
After thinking about his future, he chose to become a reserve driver for Red Bull – and he now firmly believes his desire to succeed has returned – as well as a better attitude.
“I quickly realized that okay, I’m not perfect,” Ricciardo added.
“If I got back on the grid, the hunger would of course be satisfied all the way to the top.
“But it wouldn’t come from a place where my ego or pride gets in the way.
It’s accepting that it won’t always be perfect. It’s just a reality of life.’
Ricciardo also said that while he is not fully committed to a comeback, the feeling is “brewing” every day.