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MONZA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Race winner Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren F1 celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 12, 2021 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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MONZA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Race winner Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren F1 celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 12, 2021 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Daniel Ricciardo has had a nightmare of a stint with McLaren. However, now that he will be a free agent come the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season, he has introspected as to what went wrong with the team.
Daniel Ricciardo has now opened up how he feels about himself, his capabilities and what went wrong with McLaren. However, in true Ricciardo fashion, he wore his heart on his sleeve and did not shift the blame entirely on the Woking-based outfit.
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While speaking to the Race, he said, “I am absolutely aware that I am not perfect.” [Translated using Google]
He went on, “I have my weaknesses and unfortunately, this tool has brought that up.”
However, he was optimistic as to what he can still achieve in Formula 1. “But I can still work on things and improve. The confident part of me knows I can win races if I have a good car under me.”
Read More: McLaren CEO Zak Brown Denies Ever Having a Hand in Decision To Poach Alpine’s Oscar Piastri
He summarized himself with a pragmatic eye on the future. “Of course it’s not that I don’t want to work on my weaknesses, but I can’t spend much time on it. I just want to showcase my talent by driving a good car.”
Even though the Honey Badger is aware of his capabilities and what needs to be done, in his own words, he’ll have to wait at least a year before he can return to Formula 1 racing.
Daniel Ricciardo accepts his fate as he accepts he won’t “be on the grid in 2023”
After it was announced that Ricciardo would be leaving McLaren at the end of 2022, he was linked to Alpine. However, with the news that Pierre Gasly will be partnering with Esteban Ocon at the French outfit next year, Ricciardo’s only solid shot at a 2023 race seat has disappeared.
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IMOLA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP and third placed Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 celebrate on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on November 01, 2020 in Imola, Italy. (Photo by Lars Baron – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
However, Ricciardo has spoken candidly about his lost chance back at Alpine and his 2023 options.
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“I knew they were they were talking for a while, and I knew they were very interested in Pierre. Let’s say I was prepared for that, and no surprise.”
He went on, “We were trying to let’s say navigate our way around that, and figure out what was next. But I think the reality is now I won’t be on the grid in ’23.”
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Will we see Daniel Ricciardo back in 2024?
