Daniel Ricciardo’s Successor Oscar Piastri Dismisses Struggling Concerns at McLaren With a Distinctive “Strength” That Sets Him Apart

Very few Australian drivers have established themselves in Formula 1’s 70-year history. And Daniel Ricciardo is a recent example that we are all familiar with. Ever since he left Red Bull in 2019, Ricciardo struggled consistently. And that very struggle arguably brought him back to his ‘home’ team. As the 33-year-old vacates his McLaren seat prematurely, another driver from down under is ready to take up the challenge. In the upcoming F1 season, we will see one of the three rookies of 2023, Oscar Piastri race for Mclaren.

Daniel Ricciardo left Renault (now Alpine) with the hopes of finding success at the Woking-based team. However, things didn’t work out as expected. The Honey Badger’s performance at the papaya team was substandard and the team was forced to sever ties with him last year. Ricciardo’s failure in the team might have led any newcomer to have doubts about his time in the world of fast cars. But fortunately, Oscar Piastri has demonstrated his class in the junior racing categories, and that’s not the case with him. Since Piastri has won both Formula 3 and Formula 2 in the debut season, he must have had the “strength to adapt” while racing in events where every driver strives to achieve a seat at the pinnacle of the sport.

Following much squabbling between Alpine and McLaren, over Piastri, the latter side eventually acquired the brilliant 21-year-old. Piastri appeared confident in his strength rather than showing even the slightest sign of apprehension in the face of the approaching challengers.

At the unveiling of the McLaren vehicle, he said, “It’s obviously a bit of a shame that things didn’t work out between the team and Daniel, but for me personally I’m not concerned about that aspect of things. Through my junior career, I’ve had to change car every single year. I’ve never driven the same car for more than a year. I think adaptation is a big strength that you need in the junior categories, and I think that’s been prominent in mine.”

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri Cautious of Being Another Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren: “One of the Difficulties of the Sport Is…”

After being let go by the team, Ricciardo wondered where he could go. If one is worn out from traveling, they would want to go “home,” and Ricciardo did the same. He joined Red Bull as a third driver. However, now that he’s settled in, Ricciardo has something to say about is successor.

What does Daniel Ricciardo has to say about his countryman, Oscar Piastri?

In addition to being an experienced competitor, Ricciardo has won eight Grand Prix races. The Honey Badger achieved success with Red Bull after years of continuous effort. However, after leaving the Milton Keynes team, he struggled. But instead of complaining about it, Ricciardo appears enjoying himself and recently he gave his two cents on compatriot Oscar Piastri’s entry into the top division of Motorsports.

As per Wide World of Sports, Ricciardo stated, “It’s a big, big opportunity. There haven’t been many Australians to get this far before, so ultimately, he needs to find that part of it as well where he can just enjoy it.Obviously, I wish him well, but I really can’t predict or say, ‘Oh, he’ll do this or that’. We’ll wait and see but I hope he finds himself having fun and has a smooth first season.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Formula 1 Drive to Survive Season 4 Review: Has the Latest Season Lived Up to the Fans’ Expectations?

Lewis Hamilton won the last F1 championship for McLaren in 2008. Since then, there has been a dearth of championships and victories. Having said that, do you believe Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will turn the Woking-based team’s fortunes around?