Not Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo Takes Tips From The Ultimate Comeback King While Plotting His F1 Return

The Honey Badger has had a few hard years in F1, lately. This pushed the Australian over the edge to terminate his contract with McLaren a year earlier on a mutual basis. Daniel Ricciardo has been consistently vocal about his struggles and difficulties of dealing with the pressure of being on the grid. But now, he has revealed a racer that deeply inspires him in his own F1 journey.

Nico Hulkenberg has had an elaborate history of comebacks in the game. And with his incoming comeback, Daniel Ricciardo finds comfort in knowing that his F1 journey is not over, not just yet. Nico Hulkenberg previously returned to the grid with Force India (Now Aston Martin) in the year of 2012 after his time at Williams came to an end in 2010.

Later, Nico took up the role of a reserve driver at Aston Martin. And now he would be officially taking the wheel for Haas in the upcoming season.

As per Crash.net, reflecting on Nico’s journey, Daniel shared, “Hulkenback – he needs to change his name, because he’s come back so many times now. It’s no more berg, it’s back.”

“I know myself obviously better than anyone knows me, and I know what I need or what I feel will help me and things like that, so I have confidence in taking the year off, because I know what good it will do for me.”

“But of course then when you see other examples–and pretty good examples; (Fernando) Alonso or (Kevin) Magnussen, for example–that’s kind of reassuring.”

Alonso is one of the drivers who have made a brilliant comeback to the sport. He returned to the grid in 2021 after last driving for McLaren in 2018.

“Long story short, that sort of stuff encourages me. It’s the icing on the cake in terms of me feeling like I’ve done the right thing,” he said, in conclusion.

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Considering the current scenario, McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, may be holding out a glimmer of hope for Daniel Ricciardo.

McLaren may yet again be a possibility for Daniel Ricciardo

In another interview, McLaren’s leading man, Zak Brown, was all praises for the Honey Badger. Looking back at the season they had with the Australian, they believe that Daniel Ricciardo is talented, and has evidently proven his potential in the last few races.

Having said that, they hope to see the Australian race again. He said, “So frustrating for all of us but the memory of Monza, to date, is my favorite memory in 30 years of motorsport and I have got to thank Daniel for that.”

“I very much hope to see him on the grid again in F1, which is his desire, and the door remains open for him to be in some McLaren in the future if the stars align,” he concluded.

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Daniel Ricciardo may be taking the next year off, however, many firmly believe that the Honey Badger will indeed find his way back. Here’s hoping that he does.