The race back in Mexico yesterday was exciting for many reasons. The beloved Australian racer, Daniel Ricciardo, finished in top ten as he ended the race in P7. He also bagged the ‘Driver of the Day.’ All in all, a good day for the Honey-Badger.
Ricciardo fans all around the globe were rejoicing, as most exclaimed, ‘welcome back Ricciardo.’ However, this is a rather bitter-sweet situation for most as the Aussie has decided to walk away from the grid in 2023, with a hopeful return in 2024.
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Daniel Ricciardo has been in the news regarding his contract termination with McLaren at the end of the season this year. Speculations suggest that the Aussie decided to take a back seat, as he was considering a position of a reserve driver at Mercedes.
Whilst some have been behind this decision, others have invited Daniel to perform in other racing series such as the IndyCar. However, the Aussie expressed that he hadn’t made up his mind regarding his next move and was still figuring out his options before he moves forward. Although, things at the Mexican Grand Prix were a bit different. The Aussie has made a decision and most likely will be off of the grid.
In an interview post the race, Ricciardo said, “Confidently say I won’t be on the grid, behind the wheel. But I still want to be in the sport. I want to be working with the team. Still with the ambition to be back on the grid in (20)24. That’s it. it’s honestly where my heads at as well.”
“I feel like a bit of time away from the racing will actually do me good. Then try to lets say, rebuild on something for 24′. Let’s say I’m not done but it’ll look a bit different,” he said, in conclusion.
The Mexican Grand Prix was an eventful day for the Aussie. Ricciardo rose to the occasion and delivered one of the finest performances on Sunday.
Daniel Ricciardo delivered his best performance of the season in Mexico City
The beloved Honey-Badger has made his way back to the top as he delivered a note-worthy performance yesterday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit.
Ricciardo started the race in P11, eventually dropped down to P13. As most lost hope, Ricciardo made a gamble on using hard compound tyres for 46 laps at a stretch. He later had to face a penalty for ten seconds for a minor crash into Alpha Tauri’s Yuki Tsunoda. However, he powered through to finish in P7. Yuki, on the other hand, could not continue.
The Honey-Badger bagged the third best finishes of the Season and won the ‘Driver of the Day.’
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Ricciardo was spotted smiling as he performed his best this season; reminding everyone of the great racer he once was, and still holds the same potential he once did.
Ricciardo’s dedication has helped him out-perform fellow-teammate, Lando Norris, as he finished in ‘best of the rest’ spot. This usually is filled in by Norris, however, things ended differently for the lad in Mexico.
Watch This Story: Daniel Ricciardo makes Parting Promise to F1 Grid
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Daniel Ricciardo is coming into his own, after all these years of consistent disappointments. Watching him go off of the track is upsetting for many. However, we look forward to the Aussie’s return in 20204.