Lewis Hamilton Once Pulled Aside a Rookie Daniel Ricciardo in a Moment That Would Define The Honey Badger’s F1 Career

Back in 2018, when Daniel Ricciardo parted ways with Red Bull, he shared his thoughts on what brought him to the decision of moving on. While writing a piece for The Players Tribune, he touched on multiple things, like his lessons and the support that he gained from the biggest names in the sport.

In the article, Ricciardo talks fondly about his times in Red Bull. Even though he had to face a rather tough competition with his then-teammate, Max Verstappen, the two also got along and learned from one another. This decision was “the most difficult” call he ever had to make, the Australian states.

Thinking about the time when Red Bull gave him the seat for 2014, Daniel wrote, “That whole weekend was a blur. I sat beside Rubens Barrichello in the press conference. The media were asking Rubens to give me some advice. I was like, ‘I’ve watched this guy my entire life, and he’s probably never even heard of me’.”

“Lewis Hamilton pulled me aside after it was over. You’re going to be fine. Just… look around every once and a while and enjoy it. One day you’re going to write an article about this and you’re going to want to remember the details.’ (OK, he didn’t say that last part, but still…).”

He concluded, “I learned that driving an F1 car is the most fun you can possibly have. That last point is super important. It always has to be fun. That’s why I race.”

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Daniel, who is currently with McLaren, is on the brink of leaving the team and possibly joining Mercedes as a reserve driver. Things have not gone so well for the Australian in recent years. However, as welcoming as Lewis is to Ricciardo, his take on the situation is a lot different.

Lewis Hamilton on Daniel Ricciardo joining Mercedes

The last two seasons have been tough for the Honey Badger, being pitted against the rising Brit, Lando Norris. Having to deal with the constant battle with the teammate and not matching up to the young lad has reflected very poorly on the once-promising Daniel Ricciardo.

With his disappointments on how things have been unraveling, in agreement with McLaren, the racer has decided to shake hands and move on by the end of the year.

2023, on the other hand, has a few options open for him, but a lot of reports seem to suggest that the Australian might take the role of the third/reserve driver at Mercedes.

Ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, denying any confirmations, Daniel said, “I’m really assessing everything. In short, I don’t have anything teed up yet; I don’t have anything confirmed!”

Seated next to Ricciardo, Hamilton weighed in on the subject, saying, “Well, I think he should be racing, personally. I think he’s far too talented, and he’s earned the right to be amongst us racing.”

“Of course, if he’s part of our team it’d be great, but a third [driver] role is not really–I think–what’s best for him. If I was managing him, he’d be racing!”

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Things are a bit bleak for the Australian. A lot of Ricciardo fans are led down by his possible decision to step back. We’ll just have to wait to see what the Australian finally picks to be the best decision. Maybe a win in the last few races might change the whole narrative.