Red Bull Veteran Questions Daniel Ricciardo’s Extravagant Lifestyle Choices Ahead of Honey Badger’s Final Race in Abu Dhabi: “Something Has Definitely Changed”

The magical touch of Daniel Ricciardo seems to have been lost after he left Red Bull. Once a potential championship-winning driver, will be out of a seat after this season ends. Amidst various speculations regarding the Honey Badger’s future in F1, David Coulthard shared his thought on the podcast, ‘In the Fast Lane’.

Daniel Ricciardo is one of the best drivers who came up from Red Bull’s junior programme. After leaving the Austrian outfits, the Australian driver decided to join Renault (now Alpine). Later, he jumped to McLaren and now his deal is terminated by the British manufacturers a year early.

There are many speculations about Daniel Ricciardo‘s future in Formula 1. Although, the 33-year-old has himself stated, the best option for him is to take a year off from the sport and make a strong comeback with his batteries fully charged.

Amid all this, the two-time Australian Grand Prix winner, David Coulthard, in a podcast, gave his view. When asked by the host, “What’s your sense of what’s happened to him in the last couple of years?”

Coulthard replied, “I hope to see Daniel and Formula One again. It’s obviously been painful for us all to see his struggles in the McLaren. Daniel was one of the most exciting drivers to see go racing. This is a stopwatch game. It’s not a personality business. It’s good if you’ve got a nice personality if you’re delivering, but ultimately that’s not enough to keep you in Formula One. 

“So yeah, I think he needs to step away, take stock and rediscover whatever it was that was working for him on the first part of his Formula One journey.”

Adding further, Coulthard told what might be the reason for him not performing well,” Sometimes you know success brings a lot of things and it brings baggage.”

“I don’t know, his wine business or spending time in America or whatever it is, but something has definitely changed that’s not allowing him to release that absolute Honey-Badger performance.”

READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo McLaren F1 Lifeline Extended- On One Strict Condition

There are several rumors circulating about Ricciardo joining Red Bull as a reserve driver for next season. And now the Australian driver has revealed what’s his decision.

Daniel Ricciardo reveals the truth behind the rumors of signing as Red Bull’s reserve driver

Daniel Ricciardo will be racing in Abu Dhabi for the last time with Maclaren. Oscar Piastri is signed as a replacement for the Perth-based driver. This means he’ll be seatless for next year.

There were many rumors going viral that the Honey Badger will join Red Bull or the Mercedes as a reserve driver. A Red Bull deal could mean that Ricciardo can join the Milton Keynes side, which happens to be the most productive team in his F1 journey.

When asked by the GPfans, if his future has got finalized, “not really,” said Ricciardo. “There’s nothing yet close or confirmed or anything. I can make something up but nothing new to tell you. From even a contractual point of view in terms of, I guess I’m free to talk and whatever, but there’s nothing done.”

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Danny Ric is one of the fans’ favorites. But his excellence has been missing for a few years now. With Abu Dhabi being his final race this year, the McLaren driver will want to finish it on a high note. Do you think the Australian will come back to F1 after 2023?