As Daniel Ricciardo F1 Struggles Persist, Growing McLaren Pool Features Sterling Candidates Should Papaya Doors Close on the Honey Badger

What if McLaren F1 sacks Daniel Ricciardo this season? Who are the potential replacements that can take his seat and potentially give McLaren the boost they are looking for? Clearly, Ricciardo is not the driver the British team thought they looked out for. As talented as the ‘Honey Badger’ is, he has simply not shone for the Woking outfit.

The driver currently stands at 15 points and is 43 points behind his teammate Lando Norris in the WDC. While many fans initially thought Ricciardo can take up a lead role with the team, his dull performances have put his seat in jeopardy. The driver consistently struggles with grip, mechanical problems, and above all, form.

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Jacques Villeneuve has even hinted at McLaren possibly looking for other options. He said, “Daniel Ricciardo’s time at McLaren is over. CEO Zak Brown is now saying that there are clauses in his contract, and that means that a decision has almost been made. It’s a way to put the pressure on the driver and prepare the media.” So, who can potentially replace the 8 time Grand Prix winner?

Possible replacements for Daniel Ricciardo from the McLaren pool

Despite Ricciardo’s obviously poor form, it won’t be easy to fill the driver’s shoes. But McLaren’s testing program is a direct indication that they want one of the younger talents driving their machinery at some point. While Pierre Gasly was a prominent name popping up initially, a contract extension with his current team puts him out of contention.

Colton Herta- the new, American Ricciardo?

The American IndyCar sensation is a very viable option for McLaren in the future. At only 22, Herta has done wonders with Andretti Autosports and currently sits on 212 points at P10. From his brave IndyCar saves to becoming the youngest race winner in the series, his undeniable talent has not gone unnoticed. The driver has also managed a deal that will see him test McLaren’s 2021 race car in 2022.

‘Hooligan Herta’, known for his immense capabilities in fast corners, brings some nuanced benefits to the team. As an American, Herta could be the key to further luring American sponsors into a world where F1 has made it across the pond. Although Daniel Ricciardo is no stranger to this fame, having won hearts on Drive to Survive, Brown would like to dip his toes in the prepped IndyCar popularity that Herta brings along.

Pato O’Ward- Embodying the McLaren drive

The Mexican driver is a serious contender for the McLaren F1 seat. The IndyCar driver currently sits P5 in the series and recently extended his contract with Arrow McLaren SP through 2025. In fact, O’Ward is likely to get considerable time in an F1 seat after they announced his latest deal.

O’Ward could be the more obvious next step, more so than Herta. While Herta brings in money, O’Ward would bring in experience. Strikingly, the Mexican has already driven the team’s F1 car once in Abu Dhabi last year, marking him arguably the closest to the golden chance. The passion for F1 in O’Ward is undeniable, but considering his long-term IndyCar plan, would he be McLaren’s next star?

Nyck De Vries- A final open door 

While Herta and O’Ward have only recently had their names being whispered around the paddock, De Vries is more accustomed to it. The Formula E champion has been waiting patiently with bated breath for a shot at F1. After being considered a worthy replacement for Bottas, the more promising George Russell came along in 2022.

If not Mercedes, De Vries was also a deserving candidate to replace the Brit at Williams- and then came Alex Albon. After these runs of bad luck and missed opportunities, however, Williams could still be an open door for Dutchman. With Nicholas Latifi’s days looking numbered, De Vries should be waiting to pounce at an opportunity.

However, McLaren is a team on the driver’s list as well. Having joined McLaren’s young driver program in 2010, he has done some intensive simulator work for the team before dropping off in 2019. Claiming the Formula 2 championship and Formula E championship, the Dutchman has proved to have some serious talent. Currently partnered with the Mercedes F1 and EQ team, the driver can always make a jump to McLaren again.

Stoffel Vandoorne & Paul Di Resta- F1 Comebacks in the books?

The 30-year-old has had a short stint in F1 with McLaren in 2017-18 already. Though the driver in his time couldn’t give the best performance, we can still count on him for his experience. Currently acting as a Mercedes Reserve driver (alongside De Vries), the Belgian might be called back from Formula E to fulfill his duties.

Former Force India driver, Paul Di Resta entered a deal with McLaren F1 last year. Notably, he was put on standby to be a reserve driver for the Woking team. Though he will only be called upon in the absence of De Vries and Vandoorne, he is also a viable option to take the helms of the car away from Ricciardo.

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While an F1 comeback seems highly unlikely considering the growing search for younger drivers on the grid, could McLaren play a different game in deciding a lineup to replace Ricciardo?

Should the beloved driver hang up his Papaya overalls, it couldn’t possibly be the last F1 sees of the bright Daniel Ricciardo. Will Ricciardo pull a Monza-esque resurgence in the second half of the season? Or, will one, out of all the names, take a Ricciardo’s seat at the McLaren table?