Drive to Survive: Daniel Ricciardo Confesses Netflix ‘Forced’ McLaren Rivalry With Sainz

The much-awaited third season of the documentary series, F1: Drive to Survive, finally aired on Netflix, earlier in March. However, Daniel Ricciardo, who starred in the series, wasn’t happy with something that Netflix tried during one of the episodes.

The Australian reckoned that Drive to Survive forcefully tried to bring in the rivalry between himself and Carlos Sainz.

They relied on the logic of Ricciardo replacing the Spaniard at McLaren over the 2021 F1 season. Unfortunately, Ricciardo’s final verdict suggested that the rivalry never really found steam.

What did Daniel Ricciardo say?

Speaking to SquareMile, the McLaren driver opened up that Netflix were pondering upon a rivalry that was never there. “I mean the second season, there were some episodes or parts where I feel they forced it a little bit,” he said.

“They tried to create a bit of a rivalry between me and Sainz and it wasn’t really there. Like, he’s no more a rival than anyone else.

“There wasn’t any personal grudge with him. But I think [Netflix] wanted something. So a lot of questions led with asking about Carlos. Maybe no one noticed, but for me, I was like, he’s fine.”

F1 is yet to witness the combination of Sainz and Ricciardo competing within the same racing team. Even as rivals, while there have been some interesting battles between the two on the track, none of them have turned ugly as both the drivers have so far respected each other to the fullest.

Got other guys that I dislike: Ricciardo

The Australian opened up that there are several drivers that he might dislike, but clarified that Sainz is not one of them. Furthermore, he also joked about the way the Spaniard’s style of dressing.

“I’ve probably got other guys that I dislike, you know, as opposed to Carlos. I mean, he dresses like a 60-year-old, but otherwise, he’s alright,” he joked.

Although history suggests that Ricciardo and Sainz aren’t really rivals, who knows what the future holds! Now that McLaren and Ferrari pretty close in terms of pace, one might expect the rivalry to kindle at some point in the near future. But will it happen as early as this season? Only time will tell.

Also Read: Daniel Ricciardo Reveals the McLaren F1 Legacy He Wants to Leave Behind