Daniel Ricciardo revealed that his untimely departure from McLaren left his motivation “broken and diminished,” but in hindsight, it emerged as an sudden boon to exit the squad when he did.
Other than a exceptional win at Monza in 2021, Ricciardo discovered himself constantly overshadowed by teammate Lando Norris, resulting in a mutual choice to terminate his contract a 12 months early, two years right into a three-year settlement.
This choice rendered Ricciardo with no group on the outset of 2023, prompting his return to Pink Bull in a reserve driver capability, earlier than he was swiftly transitioned into AlphaTauri mid-season to take over for Nyck de Vries.
Regardless of encountering a setback with a hand harm after solely two races, Ricciardo’s efforts had been adequate to clinch a everlasting place with Pink Bull’s sibling group for 2024, now working below the identify RB.
Within the wake of his time away from racing, the victor of eight Grand Prix races articulated how his perspective on the game has advanced and the way wherein it rejuvenated his drive and fervour.
Ricciardo shared his ideas with the French model of Motorsport.com; “As disagreeable because the scenario at McLaren was, it was a blessing in disguise.
“Let’s simply say they ended my contract as a result of I wanted to take a step again to search out myself, discover my love once more and discover my starvation once more.
“I believe loads of issues had been a bit damage or bruised, like my willpower and motivation. So I wanted to rediscover them and this era of relaxation allowed me to try this.”
Ricciardo goals to safe a place alongside Max Verstappen for the 2025 season at Pink Bull, eyeing his ‘former’ seat which stays open previous this 12 months’s finish.
Pink Bull has made it clear that Sergio Perez may have the precedence for the seat, ought to he proceed to satisfy the efficiency expectations beside the present World Champion. Nonetheless, Ricciardo is eager on positioning himself as a powerful contender for the function as nicely.
His method to Method 1 has advanced, with Ricciardo now prioritizing sustaining enjoyment in his life, along with dealing with the calls for of the game.
He additional elaborated, “Once you’re going by way of one thing, clearly it may change you a bit and provide you with a unique perspective, or make you respect the nice occasions extra and perceive learn how to cope with the unhealthy.
“Once you’re within the doldrums, you notice what’s vital to you and what’s not. I believe you be taught lots about your self from all this. And I believe after I got here out of it, I noticed that I nonetheless actually cherished this sport, that I nonetheless believed in myself.
“I don’t need to carry the burden of the world on my shoulders, as a result of it ought to stay enjoyable.
“And sure, I’m going to take issues critically, I’m going to attempt to be one of the best model of myself, however I don’t need it to devour each a part of me to the purpose the place I can’t take pleasure in different points of my life, as a result of that’s not the way it’s imagined to be – and that’s not the way in which I’ve all the time approached competitors.”
