McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo is not enjoying his time in F1 right now. Burdened with intense criticism from all ends, the driver has not settled into a rhythm in the MCL-36. However, former driver Felipe Massa has now suggested that the ‘Honey Badger’ only needs to smile and enjoy the process to get his mojo back!

With performances that do not personify his driving style, Daniel has struggled with several components of the car. The 32-year-old has even announced that he and the chassis simply do not gel well. In fact, to make things worse, recently, the Aussie even received some open criticism from team boss Zak Brown.

Daniel Ricciardo receives important advise from Massa

Amidst Ricciardo’s criticism and constant comparison with Lando Norris, Massa stepped in to support him. The Brazilian driver and 11 time race winner shared his views on the situation. He revealed, “I don’t know. I think you know sometimes we need to see his smile again you know, so he needs to enjoy.”

Commenting further on the Zak Brown criticism, Massa added, ” I think you know when you are on the level of Daniel Ricciardo, he’s amazing driver. I mean the level he has as a driver is really high, unbelievable.”

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“So he cannot be worried for these talks, because these talks are small compared to what you can do in the track…..This is not the problem to worry, the problem is different, it’s on to understand how to be happy and how to enjoy to give the result, you know. Leave all of the things away, get back to the happiness.”

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Ricciardo has looked arguably disappointed and unsatisfied with his performances at McLaren. The driver has till now only managed 11 points in the season, and sounded rather distraught on the team radio after hearing about his ‘no points’ finish.

Ricciardo needs to enjoy more at McLaren

Massa further mentioned a rather exceptional example this season while sharing his views. Mercedes driver George Russell was the name that popped up in his head while giving advice. He said, “And you know how George Russell was saying, I’m happy, I’m enjoying I mean things easy. You know you need to be happy you need to enjoy the relationship with the team. And maybe he’s just needing to get the smile back and enjoy.”

“Get the smile back” is definitely something many Ricciardo fans would agree with right now. It is arguably very unlike Ricciardo to feel this way, who is widely regarded as one of the best on the grid.

So, can the Aussie get over this bad phase and bounce back? Or is this the beginning of the end?