We’re dropping, not only a nice driver however an awesome character

Daniel Ricciardo showcased a formidable drive on the 2022 F1 Mexican GP with a P7 end regardless of a 10-second penalty. In mild of the Australian’s efficiency, McLaren group principal Andreas Seidl admitted that dropping the eight-time Grand Prix winner can be a disgrace for the game.

Chatting with the media in a post-race media interplay, Seidl insisted that Ricciardo is a character that might be missed not solely at McLaren but additionally on the grid subsequent season if he fails to safe a seat. The German mentioned:

“It’s clear that with [Ricciardo] leaving the group we’re dropping, not only a nice driver however an awesome character. He might be missed within the group, and that’s the place we each dedicated to make it possible for this final 12 months is an efficient one collectively. We’re nonetheless making an attempt to place out some good efficiency with a purpose to end our chapter collectively on a excessive. I don’t need to go into any hypothesis for what he’s doing subsequent, no matter he’s doing subsequent, or wherever he’s driving subsequent, however that’s precisely what his subsequent group might be getting.”

Amidst rumors of him probably taking over the function of a reserve driver for Mercedes subsequent season, Daniel Ricciardo defined that he’s not depending on any driver to half methods with the game on the finish of 2023 to have the ability to make a return after that. Talking about Lewis Hamilton probably retiring sooner or later, the McLaren driver mentioned:

“The reality is I would like him [Lewis Hamilton] to remain within the sport. He’s one of many best ever to do it and I feel competing with him, going wheel-to-wheel with him is enjoyable, it’s superior. I actually want to do this extra sooner or later and that’s the place it at the moment lies. I don’t suppose it’s relative to what others do. Alternatives will come up once they do, however I’m not banking on anybody doing one thing so I can discover my approach. I need to take the time mandatory, maintain a bit little bit of distance to the game and rebuild myself, however then if one thing is smart in ’24, [I’ll] come again with a vengeance and have some enjoyable and hopefully race on the entrance.”

“Higher late than by no means” – Daniel Ricciardo on P7 outcome at 2022 F1 Mexican GP

Regardless of being handed a 10-second penalty for inflicting a collision with Yuki Tsunoda on the Mexican GP final weekend, Daniel Ricciardo managed to make a stellar restoration to P7 after a protracted and tough season for the Aussie.

As reported by F1.com, regardless of having solely two races remaining with McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo is actually completely happy to have achieved this outcome. He mentioned:

“It’s so good. I want there was an reason it hasn’t been like this extra usually, races the place I can simply lean on the automotive and sort of put it the place I would like. Clearly there’s just a few left, higher late than by no means, completely happy to have had an attacking race. I really feel usually if we’re within the factors, we’re wanting within the mirrors, so to come back by way of the sphere felt good and yeah, the group I’m certain really feel completely happy as effectively, and relieved after the penalty.”

Daniel Ricciardo at the moment stands twelfth within the drivers’ standings with 35 factors to his identify.