Will Bitter F1 History Urge Alpine to Reject Hapless Daniel Ricciardo?

Ever since Daniel Ricciardo decided to leave Red Bull following the 2018 season, his F1 career has arguably not showcased his true potential. Ricciardo joined Renault as he started his journey away from the Red Bull family. His performance in the first season was unsatisfactory, but the 2020 season performance earned him his move to McLaren.

McLaren, a rival of Renault, secured an exceptional driver in Ricciardo to replace Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz. Cut to the present-day and McLaren might be trying to replace Ricciardo before his contract runs out. The unfortunate turn of events has left Ricciardo stranded as the Australian accepts the harsh reality.

After being possibly ousted by his current team, Ricciardo is on top of the list of replacements for Aston Martin-bound Fernando Alonso. However, there is a hurdle that the Honey Badger will have to overcome for his Alpine move to materialize.

For the unaware, Alpine is the rebranded Renault team. And apparently, Ricciardo upset the Renault top management with his move to McLaren. We’re unaware of the level of animosity, but with a character like Ricciardo, no bridge is truly burned. Or if that is the case, we will soon find out as this sage comes to a conclusion.

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Ricciardo also has an alternate option, which involves a new set of players. The Australian can also replace Mick Schumacher at Haas if the German leaves. Although it’s reported that Ferrari has the final say on the Haas seat.

With the uncertainties flowing around, Ricciardo might come off worse in this transfer saga.

Daniel Ricciardo might have to wait it out for his chance in F1

Currently, McLaren and Ricciardo need to come to an understanding regarding his compensation. In pay-off scenarios like Ricciardo’s, there’s a variable involved with the driver finding a seat elsewhere.

For example, when Kimi Raikkonen, at the end of 2009, parted ways with Ferrari, he waited for two years to obtain the full amount.

McLaren could put a similar clause in Ricciardo’s compensation deal. Even if Ricciardo secures a seat elsewhere, McLaren could pay the Australian to not drive for the team in 2023.

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The bizarre turn of events will definitely see a definitive answer. However, an accurate prediction is far from anyone’s reach or comprehension at the moment.