In a stunning turn of events, Daniel Ricciardo has broken his silence about his sudden and controversial departure from the F1 grid in 2022. The Australian driver, who was dropped from McLaren mid-season, is not one to shy away from speaking his mind, and his latest comments have sent shockwaves through the motorsport world. As the dust settles after the Qatar Grand Prix, Ricciardo has finally addressed what many consider to be one of the biggest blunders in recent Formula 1 history—the decision to let him go.
Speaking candidly during a press conference at the Qatar Grand Prix, Ricciardo revealed his thoughts on being axed by McLaren and the aftermath that followed. With his characteristic wit and confidence, he did not hold back, calling the decision a “huge mistake” that ultimately cost both him and McLaren dearly. The 34-year-old’s words echo what many in the F1 community have been thinking ever since his shock departure: that McLaren’s decision to part ways with Ricciardo was a massive misstep that has left the team struggling to regain their momentum.
Ricciardo’s fall from grace in F1 came after a difficult two-year stint at McLaren, where he struggled to match the performance of his teammate Lando Norris. Despite Ricciardo’s historic win at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, his relationship with the team soured, and he was ultimately replaced by young star Oscar Piastri for the 2023 season. Many speculated that McLaren had given up on Ricciardo far too soon, a sentiment that the Australian himself clearly shares.
“People forget that I’ve won races, I’ve been on the podium more times than some drivers who are still in the sport today,” Ricciardo remarked with a shrug. “It wasn’t like I suddenly forgot how to drive a Formula 1 car. The team’s priorities changed, and I didn’t fit in their plans anymore. That happens. But the way I was handled? It wasn’t right.”
Ricciardo went on to reflect on his journey through F1, noting that his early years with Toro Rosso and Red Bull had been some of the most fulfilling of his career. His time at Red Bull, where he was a consistent contender for podiums and victories, cemented his reputation as one of the most talented drivers on the grid. However, after a move to Renault and then McLaren, things started to unravel. Ricciardo’s personal struggle with the car’s setup, combined with internal team politics, created a perfect storm that led to his departure.
For Ricciardo, the call to part ways with McLaren wasn’t just about performance on track. It was about a broader sense of disrespect that left a bitter taste in his mouth. “It wasn’t just about the results,” he said. “It was about the way things were handled behind the scenes. You can’t make decisions like that without knowing the full picture. I felt that I wasn’t given enough time to really show what I could do, and frankly, I wasn’t treated like a winner anymore. And that’s what I am.”
Ricciardo’s return to AlphaTauri in 2023 has been a redemption arc of sorts, and his performances this season have been a reminder of his talent and experience. The Australian driver has already made several impressive performances in the limited races he’s competed in since replacing Nyck de Vries, showcasing that his hunger for success is as strong as ever. It’s clear that Ricciardo has found a new lease on life in F1, with a fire burning in him that many thought had been extinguished.
As the Qatar Grand Prix unfolded, Ricciardo’s thoughts on McLaren’s decision remained a hot topic among pundits, fans, and rival drivers alike. Many believe that McLaren’s decision to part ways with Ricciardo has come back to haunt them. While Norris has continued to impress with his consistent performances, the team’s overall progress has been slow, with the lack of a proven race winner becoming evident. Ricciardo’s absence has undoubtedly left a void, one that they’ve struggled to fill.
Despite the tensions, Ricciardo remains gracious when talking about his former team. “I don’t hold grudges. I’ve moved on. But I think we can all agree, hindsight is 20/20,” he said with a smirk. “The decision to let me go? Yeah, that didn’t pan out how they expected.”
As Ricciardo continues to carve out a new chapter with AlphaTauri, the F1 world can’t help but wonder what might have been if McLaren had given the Australian more time to adapt to the team. His recent performances have demonstrated that Ricciardo still has the pace, experience, and mentality to challenge the front-runners, and it raises the question: could McLaren’s decision have been the tipping point that ultimately cost them in the ongoing battle for podiums?
With the Qatar Grand Prix behind us, Ricciardo’s words have reignited the debate over driver decisions and team dynamics in Formula 1. The “Ricciardo’s axe” controversy may be old news to some, but for the Australian, it’s clear that it remains a source of both frustration and motivation. He’s back, and he’s determined to prove that McLaren made a mistake—a mistake he’s not going to let them forget.
