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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren F1 poses for a photo with McLaren Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown before a showrun in Dale Earnhardt Sr’s 1984 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR before final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Americas on October 23, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 23: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren F1 poses for a photo with McLaren Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown before a showrun in Dale Earnhardt Sr’s 1984 Wrangler Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR before final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of USA at Circuit of The Americas on October 23, 2021 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
There were many uncertainties in Daniel Ricciardo’s life before his move back to Red Bull. Most fans think McLaren’s treatment of Ricciardo was unjust and extremely disrespectful. However, according to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, this is what the fans and media made it out to be. The reality is completely different.
After the dust settled, and Ricciardo went back to his old team, McLaren’s CEO sat down for an interview. In the interview, Zak Brown discussed the tough decision of letting Ricciardo go. It took a toll on everyone. However, he empathized that he still has a good relationship with Ricciardo and that the entire process was civil.
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“I know what really happened. I know the relationship that I really have with Daniel and his management and how transparent it was and how collaborative it was,” he said in the interview.
“It wasn’t easy on anyone, but it wasn’t what a lot of people made it out to be. That’s frustrating! Because you kind of unfairly get accused of certain actions which you know and he knows and those who are actually close to it know that’s actually not what happened,” Brown added.
Read More: “The Lows Were Real”: Daniel Ricciardo’s ‘Party Animal’ Persona Holds Its Deep Secrets
We can’t be certain despite the McLaren boss’ comments until we hear Ricciardo’s side of things. However, given Ricciardo’s nature, we can’t believe the negotiations were anything but civil.
In fact, according to the boss, everyone loved Ricciardo, and his departure was difficult for everyone.
Zak Brown reveals how the McLaren team is coping with the departure of Daniel Ricciardo
We all are aware of Ricciardo’s sunny disposition. So, after discussing the tough decision to let Ricciardo go, the boss also talked about how the decision affected the team.
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MONZA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and McLaren wins the F1 Grand Prix of Italy at Autodromo di Monza on September 12, 2021 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)
He said, “It was tough! We all love Daniel. I mean, he’s such a great spirit in the garage and on the radio and at the MTC.”
The American also looked back at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix with fond memories and thanked Ricciardo for letting him experience that.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Ricciardo’s Best Moments in F1
Although it just didn’t work out for Ricciardo at McLaren, let’s hope he can change the narrative surrounding him and get back on the grid as early as 2024.
