Daniel Ricciardo hasn’t been at his best lately, and his teammate Lando Norris is currently triple him in points. The Australian has a contract with McLaren until the end of 2023, with an exit clause that only he can activate.
This situation led to rumors about a possible substitution by one of the IndyCar drivers linked to the manufacturer, or even by Sebastian Vettel, although the latter denied it this Thursday.
Given this scenario, last week Ricciardo spoke on his social networks, softening the rumors and confirming that he would reach the end of his contract, as agreed with McLaren.
“People were asking questions and giving their own answers, and the situation only escalated. I thought to myself that since I knew my future, I was going to let everyone know, for the people who follow me and my followers who know. they ask ‘What will Daniel do? Is it over?’ No, no, no, not at all! So I thought it was about time everyone heard it from the person in question.”
Ricciardo also explained that his post was also intended to reassure his teammates and clear up any possible doubts. “I have this commitment from the team,” said the McLaren driver. “There are a lot of people in the factory. In all these teams there are hundreds of people who work in the factory and they don’t come to the circuit and they don’t see everything, they don’t see me during a race weekend.
“I also want to clear up any doubts, if you ever read headlines like ‘What future does Daniel have? Will he join another team?’ They may be surprised as they are trying to develop the perfect car for me. So I want to approach them and say: ‘Guys, I’m with you.’
However, can Ricciardo really maintain his motivation in this lean period, in which he has only managed one podium finish with his famous victory at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, in 33 races with McLaren ? Have you ever questioned your future?
“In short, no,” he replied. “Of course there is frustration, and I have admitted that in a way I hate the sport, because those ups and downs are very common. But I also love it, because the feeling that I have, what it does to me, the flame that it lights in me, this feeling in my gut… I love this sport”
“Of course I’d love to win all the time, but I’m still motivated, even during these tough times. Even if the frustration wears off, whether it’s ten minutes or half an hour, I still think I can do it.”
“The day I retire will be the day I’ve lost this feeling, the day I’ve lost this conviction and this will to continue, and I really think I’m still a long way from that.”
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