Daniel Ricciardo says relief came with F1 exit decision

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 14:38 · Archive

Former Perth-born Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has said being let go by his teams came as a relief rather than a blow.

Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 career ended after the Singapore round in 2024, having been let go by McLaren and then struggling to make an impact in his second chance at Racing Bulls. The Perth-born driver, who won eight Grand Prix races, revealed that being dismissed by teams twice in recent years had taken a toll on him.

Ricciardo said his stint at McLaren saw him struggle to match the pace of his younger teammate Lando Norris in 2022, raising doubts about his future. After McLaren parted ways with him, he joined Red Bull as a reserve driver before being put back in a seat at Racing Bulls. However, a crash at Zandvoort early in his comeback left him injured and allowed Liam Lawson to impress during his recovery.

In an interview with DRIVE with Jim Farley, Ricciardo said: 'Being let go twice in the last few years, it had taken a lot out of me. I had put a lot of my soul into it, and I did feel pretty exhausted by it. In reflection, I was grateful that they made the decision for me.' He added that he had to come to terms with his career ending over the past twelve months.

How it is being reported

• Former Perth-born Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo makes shock admission about exit from sportFormer Perth-born Formula 1 ace Daniel Ricciardo has made a frank admission about the end of his career in the sport after opening up about his unceremonious exit.The West Australian · 28 Oct, 13:56
• Former Perth-born Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo makes shock admission about exit from sportFormer Perth-born Formula 1 ace Daniel Ricciardo has made a frank admission about the end of his career in the sport after opening up about his unceremonious exit.Perth Now · 28 Oct, 13:56

In this story: Daniel Ricciardo · Lando Norris · McLaren · Racing Bulls · Red Bull · Liam Lawson · Perth · Singapore

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