Ricciardo FRUSTRATION revealed as...

Ricciardo FRUSTRATION revealed as…read more

Daniel Ricciardo’s time at McLaren has been widely regarded as a frustrating chapter in his Formula 1 career, despite occasional flashes of brilliance. The Australian driver joined the team ahead of the 2021 season, replacing Carlos Sainz, who had moved to Ferrari. At first, it appeared to be a promising move for both Ricciardo and McLaren, as the team had shown significant progress in the previous season. However, Ricciardo’s tenure was far from smooth, as he struggled to adapt to the car and was often outpaced by his teammate, Lando Norris.

Ricciardo’s difficulties at McLaren were compounded by a lack of consistent form, which led to mounting frustration for both the driver and the team. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a race winner, Ricciardo found it challenging to extract the maximum performance from the McLaren car. This struggle became increasingly evident as Norris outperformed him on numerous occasions, leading to the team deciding to part ways with Ricciardo at the end of 2022. However, while his overall time at McLaren was filled with challenges, there was one unforgettable moment that stood out: his stunning victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

That race, held in September 2021, marked Ricciardo’s first win since his time with Red Bull in 2018, and was a major highlight for both the driver and McLaren. Ricciardo’s victory at Monza was not just a personal triumph, but also a team achievement, as McLaren secured its first one-two finish since 2012. The result was a testament to Ricciardo’s skill and resilience, and it remains a key highlight of his Formula 1 career. The race itself saw Ricciardo manage the pressure and conditions perfectly, driving a flawless race to cross the finish line ahead of his teammate, Lando Norris, who finished in second.

Tom Stallard, Ricciardo’s race engineer during his time at McLaren, recently opened up about that exceptional weekend during an episode of F1’s “Beyond the Grid” podcast. Stallard, who now works with rookie driver Oscar Piastri at McLaren, recalled Ricciardo’s performance in glowing terms. According to Stallard, Ricciardo was “pretty faultless” during the Monza weekend, and it was one of the rare occasions when the Australian driver was able to deliver at his best.

Stallard also pointed out that, while the race was marked by the dramatic collisions between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, which took them both out of contention, Ricciardo and McLaren were well-positioned to capitalize on the situation. “Although Max and Lewis ultimately took themselves out in the race, we had them both covered, and Daniel would have won anyway,” Stallard explained. This statement highlights the fact that Ricciardo’s victory at Monza was not simply due to the misfortune of others, but rather the result of a strong performance by the McLaren driver and his team.

Reflecting on the 2021 season, Stallard expressed a sense of frustration about the missed opportunities. Despite the success at Monza, the team was unable to achieve its broader goals with Ricciardo, as the Australian’s struggles to adapt to the car overshadowed the occasional high points. “It was tough on us as well that, between all of us, we weren’t able to achieve what we wanted to achieve together,” Stallard admitted. This sentiment highlights the bittersweet nature of Ricciardo’s time at McLaren—while the team did achieve a significant result at Monza, it was ultimately a case of “what could have been.”

After his departure from McLaren, Ricciardo took a sabbatical from Formula 1 and later made a return to the sport in 2023 with AlphaTauri, following the departure of Pierre Gasly. However, Ricciardo’s second stint in Formula 1 was short-lived, and in September 2023, he lost his seat at AlphaTauri. The end of his latest stint has left Ricciardo’s future in the sport uncertain, with no clear path for a return to a top team.

Ricciardo’s McLaren experience remains a source of frustration for both the driver and his supporters. Despite moments of brilliance, such as his victory at Monza, the Australian’s time at McLaren was ultimately a missed opportunity. His struggles with the car and the team’s inability to fully harness his talent left both parties longing for what might have been. As Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, the memory of his spectacular Monza win serves as a reminder of the potential that he still holds, even if his recent career has been marked by frustration and disappointment.