Daniel Ricciardo will soon bid adieu to Formula 1 for the next year at least, as he announced his plan to take a sabbatical. The McLaren driver endured a torrid spell with the Woking-based constructors. However, Zak Brown revealed he tried to help Daniel get a seat in other competitions and keep him in the McLaren family.
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Zak Brown revealed how axing Daniel from McLaren was one of the hardest tasks he’s faced in F1. The Briton also claimed McLaren “tried everything” to keep hold of Ricciardo. However, his teammate Lando Norris kept beating Ricciardo consistently, which left the Papaya team little choice but to part ways with him.
McLaren will replace Daniel Ricciardo with fellow compatriot and F2 Champion, Oscar Piastri. They had to fight a legal battle to sign Piastri. However, they ultimately came out victorious and signed him for the upcoming years.
Zak stated, “I tried to get Daniel before he went to Renault, so this was years in the making. I’m a huge Daniel fan. I’m still a huge Daniel fan and that’ll never change.”
When asked about how disappointing it’s been to not see Ricciardo thrive at McLaren, Brown said, “I’ve hated it.”
Brown further said, “I asked him if he wanted to drive for us in the IndyCar or Formula E. I’d love to keep Daniel in the family but he’s still very focused on Formula One, which I get, it’s the pinnacle of motorsports. I’d love to race with him again.”
Daniel will be hoping to end the season on a high. With only 4 races to go, he will be hoping to leave an impression in some of the team principal’s minds for the future.
Daniel Ricciardo is not done with F1, claims agent
With 8 race wins under his belt, Daniel will be hungry to add more to his tally. However, with no spots vacant in the top teams, the Australian won’t find it easy to make a comeback. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Ricciardo’s agent Nick Thimm has claimed the Honey Badger is far from done with F1.
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His agent said, “It’s a different approach yes, but it’s also a new day for the sport. Daniel’s maturity and experience is a matched by few on the grid; now more than ever.”
He added, “The Honey Badger will still be as close to the F1 grid as he can in 2023. He’s not done. And as we saw this season, anything can happen.”
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Zak Brown said he is one of Daniel’s biggest fans. However, due to F1 being a business, McLaren couldn’t warrant a seat for the Aussie next year. The Papaya team’s principal will be hoping Daniel could finish off his tenure on a high in his last few races. Can Daniel Ricciardo return to F1 after his sabbatical?