“Lando Is the Reference”: After Getting Beat Twice in Two Seasons by Norris, Daniel Ricciardo Sympathizes With the Situation Oscar Piastri Finds Himself In

Getting the best out of yourself in Formula 1 is equitable to beating your teammate. The criteria are quite simple. Strapped into equal machinery, the test of the driver is really just with his teammate. Daniel Ricciardo had made a habit of acing this test. But with his doomed move to McLaren, the Honey Badger properly tasted defeat at the hands of Lando Norris. Now, without a race seat to call his own, the Australian has decided to spend some valuable words for his replacement, Oscar Piastri.

Acrimonious as his exit from McLaren was, it would appear that the 33-year-old holds no grudges against the Woking-based team or Piastri. But for the young Australian who has taken his seat, his F1 debut couldn’t have started on a worse note. With the team languishing in the pecking order, Piastri has found it tough to adjust to life in the fast lane.

Daniel Ricciardo empathizes with Oscar Piastri

Ricciardo has faced the cruel whip of McLaren first-hand. Two seasons in a row, he tasted Norris’ dust. However, Piastri isn’t exactly in the same boat as he was. That being said, the daunting task of facing off against a driver like Norris is pushing Piastri to the ragged edge. And Ricciardo understands.

Whilst speaking to Total-Motorsport.com, Ricciardo said, “It’s always tough when looking at a team, who are not performing where they want to be. Lando is the reference, and it’s hard to know whether 12th place is good or no.”

“Although Lando touched the wall in Saudi, Oscar got through and did a good qualifying, and Saudi is not an easy track. So I think that was a good sign for him. Since then, sure, Lando’s had a bit of an edge. But it’s still early in Oscars’ career you can’t probably expect too much from him yet. So I think he’s hit the ground running. He had a good first lap in Miami. So I think he’s been carrying himself pretty well.”

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While the Australian does sympathize with Piastri, he won’t be focusing too much on his younger countryman. That’s because he is on a different mission.

Ricciardo reveals his 2024 F1 plans

A driver like Ricciardo doesn’t deserve to waste on the sidelines. And the Honey Badger is in agreement with us on this! With the 2023 silly season just around the corner, Ricciardo feels highly optimistic about making a storied comeback.

He told The Athletic, “The signs are pointing towards getting back on the grid. Having the chance to step back and just review everything from afar, and with the luxury of time as well, not to be forced to make a decision or rush anything, I feel that if I’m to get back on the grid, I honestly believe I’ll be a better version of myself. A more mature, experienced, complete version.” 

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Can Daniel Ricciardo make a comeback to this sport in 2024?