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Ricciardo compares his F1 teams: They didn't try to kick me down

Ricciardo compares his F1 teams: "They didn't try to kick me down"

10-01-2022 14:22 Last update: 23:30
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GPblog.com

Following his retirement from Red Bull Racing, it has been a turbulent period for Daniel Ricciardo. In 2022, the Australian will once again be racing for McLaren. The Honey Badger looked back on his time with various employers after the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Red Bull rules with tougher hand

In particular, McLaren and Red Bull are compared in Ricciardo's interview with, among others, Essentiallysports.com. The intermediate step to and from Renault is left out. The McLaren driver remembers his time as a Red Bull junior well. Dr. Helmut Marko's hard work contributed greatly to his rapid growth. Ricciardo: "Helmut is a guy I received 'tough love' from throughout my career. I think it was good for me because it made me grow faster."

In the case of McLaren, it is different, notes the Australian. Ricciardo, despite his win in Italy in 2021, did not drive a good season. McLaren's approach was not what he was used to from Marko in the past: "There was a lot of encouragement, and they didn't try to kick me down when I was already down. They actually pulled me up." Ricciardo stresses that he doesn't need a team that constantly reaches out to him, but says that the way McLaren handles setbacks is particularly pleasant for their driver. Ricciardo feels good about the team: "There is a family-like support."

The Honey Badger finished eighth in the championship and was therefore two spots behind his much younger and less experienced teammate Lando Norris at the end of 2021. He had to concede as many as 45 points to Norris. Ricciardo may have won one race, but his colleague also fought Lewis Hamilton for a win once in Russia and was on the podium four times.