Theories Behind Daniel Ricciardo’s Decline in F1
Daniel Ricciardo, once celebrated as one of the top drivers in Formula 1, has yet to score a point in 2024, leaving many wondering what happened to him. His journey from the heights of Red Bull to struggling with Renault and McLaren presents a puzzling decline. Here are some theories that might explain where it all went wrong for Ricciardo:
**Leaving Red Bull for Renault**
In 2018, Ricciardo’s departure from Red Bull for a lucrative contract with Renault surprised many. At Red Bull, he was a beloved figure, despite Max Verstappen emerging as the more naturally gifted driver. Ricciardo’s move was seen as a career misstep, prioritizing financial gain over competitive prospects, which seemed to shift his focus away from his ambitions of becoming a World Champion.
**Struggling with Less Competitive Cars**
Ricciardo’s most impressive recent performance was during a Pirelli tyre test with Red Bull’s dominant RB19 car at Silverstone, where his lap times suggested he could still be competitive with top machinery. This indicates that Ricciardo may struggle more with underperforming cars, unable to extract the best from them, unlike his early days where he thrived with faster cars.
**The McLaren Experience**
Ricciardo’s two-year stint at McLaren was particularly challenging, marked by a clash of cultures and an overwhelming flow of technical information. This environment did not suit his laid-back personality and possibly led to a loss of confidence and form. Even after returning to Red Bull, there were lingering effects of the “bad habits” picked up during his time at McLaren.
**Safety Concerns**
Ricciardo has always been vocal about driver safety, supporting measures like the halo protection system and expressing strong emotions after Romain Grosjean’s fiery crash in Bahrain 2020. His heightened awareness of safety risks may have affected his driving mindset, contributing to a more cautious approach that hinders his performance.
In summary, Ricciardo’s decline in F1 can be attributed to a combination of career decisions, difficulties with less competitive cars, a mismatch with McLaren’s culture, and heightened safety concerns. These factors together have eroded the confidence and form of a driver once regarded among the best on the grid.
