Daniel Ricciardo Finally Faces the Truth of His Disputed Move From Red Bull: “People Tell Me I Should Have Never Left, But…”

Daniel Ricciardo’s career in Formula 1 has always been a matter of intrigue. While one group discusses the potential that the honey badger had but couldn’t capitalize on, another group discusses the debatable career moves that he has made since leaving Red Bull for Renault in 2019 and, subsequently, McLaren in 2021. Regardless of how the previous season turned out for him, Ricciardo believes he will be at home at Red Bull.

Neither Ricciardo’s departure from Red Bull nor his homecoming was easy. He left after the 2018 season, which he believes was a “disaster” and has returned as a third driver with no guaranteed time for driving on the track. In between the four years, he had a race win and two third-place finishes, compared to two wins in his 2018 season with Red Bull. Hence, the fans are often curious about what could have been had Ricciardo stayed with the team. The question of whether he regrets the choice he made in 2018 also bugged the driver.

In an interview with GrandPrix, Ricciardo answered this by saying, “I do believe I did the right thing. I really needed to do it but for sure, on paper, you could say that if I had remained in Red Bull I would have got more podiums, and probably would have won more races, so I get it when people tell me I should never have left, but I truly believe I needed this.”

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The first season at Renault proved to be more challenging for Ricciardo than his first at McLaren. But the struggle at McLaren last year pulled him back to Red Bull and rethink his career.

Daniel Ricciardo looks back at the 2018 season

The 2018 season will be the last for Daniel Ricciardo with Red Bull as the main driver, with no current window in sight for him to return. In that season, the Aussie started off great with early season wins but finished sixth with a whopping eight DNFs in 21 rounds. Moreover, the elevation of Max Verstappen to a supposed first driver hurt the driver’s ambitions.

Speaking about the season that made him quit Red Bull, Danny Ric said, “It started really well with two wins in six races, but then I didn’t get another podium, I didn’t finish on eight or nine occasions, and I’m not throwing back to them, but I was not very happy then.”

“So, I feel like I needed to try something else, so when I look back at that time and how I felt in 2018, I still stand by. I still think I did the right move. Did it work out perfectly? No, it didn’t, but I still feel I needed to answer that question of what could be and it has been answered. I’m totally OK with it. I think Red Bull is going to have three cars on the grid next year, so I’ll be OK,” he joked.

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Ricciardo’s return has marked a new wave of happiness for his fans. An off-year from F1 might help him charge up and return stronger in 2024 if given a chance.