Critical view of Ricciardo: 'Unfortunately McLaren wants a winner'

Mika Haikkinen does not see a return of Daniel Ricciardo in Formula 1 happening any time soon, he told Top Gear. The former Formula 1 driver does not expect the Australian to be able to compete with the remaining talent in the motorsport class.

After McLaren and Ricciardo decided to part ways in 2022, the driver was hoping for another chance in Formula 1. However, the driver was unable to find another team, so he decided to settle for a spot as a reserve driver at Red Bull Racing.

Hakkinen sceptical about Ricciardo's chances

He hopes to secure a regular spot again in 2024, but Hakkinen does not think this will happen. Ricciardo failed to win over teams in recent years, so the Finn wonders how he can attract attention from formations this calendar year.

"If you have a sabbatical and you want to come back, how can you prove you can be better?", argues Hakkinen. "How can you prove you are a faster driver than ever? There’s a young generation, rookies coming to Formula 1: can you prove ‘I’m quicker than them’?"

"I have to apologise, I sound so negative. But it’s a reality. And it’s a very challenging situation for him. But everybody I think in this paddock likes him. He’s a very nice person, with a great sense of humour. Fans like him. But unfortunately teams like McLaren, they want to have a winner."