For weeks, even months, F1 fans shared their collective disgust towards McLaren for the treatment of Daniel Ricciardo. However, as the law of nature, time heals all wounds. The Australian went back to his old team and, with social media as proof, has been enjoying his sabbatical. However, ahead of the Australian GP, the Red Bull boss opened a can of worms during the Friday press conference. Christian Horner made a revelation sitting next to McLaren CEO Zak Brown that revived the anger among the fans.
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McLaren’s way of getting rid of Ricciardo was incredibly humiliating for the driver and his fans. The timing of the contract termination was such that Ricciardo couldn’t find a seat for himself as well. Red Bull saved Ricciardo’s blushes by making him their third driver, a role through which he will eventually want to get back to his brilliant best.
However, for their actions, McLaren faced plenty of heat from the fans and then some. The agitation cooled down, but Horner sparked new fire among the fans during the Australian GP Friday presser.
Horner said, “It was clear when he came back that he’d picked up some habits that we didn’t recognise as Daniel that had left us two or three years earlier. We’ve had to feed him up – I don’t know what [McLaren] did to him, but he came back looking a bit skinny, but he’s looking healthier now. We’re certainly seeing him getting back to being far more reminiscent of the Daniel that we knew.”
This statement by Horner put McLaren in a bad light again for their treatment of Ricciardo and the fans did not appreciate that.
Fans bash McLaren for their ill-treatment of Daniel Ricciardo
The fans showcased their anger towards the papaya team once again in the Ricciardo saga. Horner’s comments revealed the Australian’s time at McLaren was so stressful that he even lost his appetite.
This statement made fans fall in love with Horner and feel the exact opposite for Zak Brown who sat beside the Red Bull chieftain.
Brb sobbing violently
— Anna⁰¹ ⁸¹ (@piastappening) March 31, 2023
I LOVE CHRISTIAN FOR THIS
— 𝑛 (@carlossainzgirl) March 31, 2023
The fans also put up threatening messages for Brown and the McLaren management while celebrating Ricciardo’s freedom from the toxic environment.
zak brown and Michael Italiano I am in your WALLS https://t.co/eSKM3PUtJe
— ًً (@fourcedes) March 31, 2023
Honestly what a freaking environment get got freed from. https://t.co/fNJZEtJr2x
— DannyRicc (@formula1season) March 31, 2023
Zak brown you have blood on your hands https://t.co/N9pekuSlhy
— groovyoctopus 🦊 (@giulia_opr) March 31, 2023
never said a bad word about christian https://t.co/5cid53eu3I
— jass (@riccglow) March 31, 2023
WATCH THIS STORY: McLaren F1 Boss Uses Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo to Highlight Major Flaws With Red Bull Racing
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The way Christian talks about Daniel like he is his son or something is too cute 🥹 https://t.co/PFuiKzfVUE
— Carolina 🏁 (@Carolina__f1) March 31, 2023
Ok…. apparently Zak is in the same interview panel too, I need the video asap https://t.co/mvGZahVjNW
— Rish| C² fan (@f1fans28) March 31, 2023
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The fans are eagerly waiting to see this interaction live and witness Horner publicly humiliate McLaren CEO, Zak Brown. A bit of tit-for-tat from the Red Bull boss?