“I Wouldn’t Be My Bubbly Self”: F1’s Biggest Smile Daniel Ricciardo Gets Candid On Destructive 2 Years With McLaren

It has been a particularly tough season for Daniel Ricciardo. From a rough race season to being dropped by McLaren, it was surely a lot to deal with. The culmination of this has been Ricciardo’s announcement to hang up the helmet for 2023.

While the Australian driver is known for his on-screen charisma and cheerful persona, few know the struggles to keep up the smile even while suffering losses.

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Daniel Ricciardo opened up about his mental health struggles with McLaren. Ricciardo talked about going to therapy for the past year in order to better deal with these issues.

“My confidence was being eaten away driving a car that wouldn’t dance with me and would bite back,” said Ricciardo.

“Last year it affected me a little bit too much. I wouldn’t be my usual bubbly self. I would be reluctant if someone said let’s go out for dinner. I would need some cajoling. I let it get to me.”

“I started to speak to a psychologist last year — the most challenging year I have had. I was neglecting friendships and thought it would be good to talk to someone to make sure the two sides of my life didn’t cross over.”

READ MORE: “Don’t Know How I’m Continuing To Continue”: Fed Up Daniel Ricciardo Outright Blames McLaren in Harsh Post-Race Analysis

It is heartbreaking to hear our favorite grinning driver has been feeling like this. However, it is equally uplifting to know that Ricciardo had the courage to seek out professional help.

Daniel Ricciardo wants to keep a little distance from F1

With Ricciardo announcing his hiatus from F1, he has had no shortage of pathways open up for him. From invitations from IndyCar to talks of him being an ESPN host, Daniel Ricciardo could opt to go anywhere he wants other than F1.

But Ricciardo has been unusually reluctant to respond to any of them. Earlier, he had mentioned not being mentally ready to jump into anything else. But now he seems to be asserting that he would really just like some time off.

“I want to take the time that is necessary, keep a little distance to the sport, to rebuild myself,” said Ricciardo.

“If something makes sense in 2024 I will come back with a vengeance, have some fun, and hopefully race at the front.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Ricciardo Makes Parting Promise to the F1 Grid

Given his recent admission, it makes sense that Ricciardo wishes to be away from F1 and heal. Hopefully, he will come back stronger than ever in 2024!