Daniel Ricciardo Never Arrived At Mclaren

Let alone Mclaren, will Daniel Ricciardo have a future in Formula 1? The awesome Australian is currently experiencing a low almost no one expected after his star signing at Mclaren from 2021.

As Soumil points out, history has shown that such drastic career lows have often seen great talents bow out of Formula 1 - Damon Hill-Jordan, Juan Pablo Montoya-Mclaren and Jacques Villeneuve-BMW to name a few.

Can Daniel Ricciardo recover?

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In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, @f1statsguru aka Sundaram joins Soumil & Kunal to highlight stats-facts from Ricciardo's journey at Mclaren. As you will hear, it's as though Ricciardo never really arrived at Mclaren in 2021.

After a tough 2021, the expectation was that the rules refresh would work in Ricciardo's favour. However, the Aussie missed vital pre-season testing due to COVID-19 and has scored less than a fourth of his team-mate Lando Norris' points after the first seven races of the season.

Ricciardo's non-performance is not only costing points (and money) to Mclaren but is it also slowing their developmental curve? Amidst Ricciardo's struggles, Zak Brown's public comments come as a surprise. But are they to pressure the Aussie into performing or are they to prepare the media for his sacking? In terms of 'exit clauses', does Ricciardo hold the key to his future or can Mclaren be the first to pull the plug?

Lots to ponder in the months ahead for Daniel Ricciardo, his legion of fans & Mclaren. There's another Australia in Oscar Piastri waiting in the wings as are the two American drivers - Colton Herta & Patricio O'ward. And of course, Pierre Gasly as well.

What do you think will be Daniel Ricciardo's future in Formula 1? Write to us via our Instagram page.

(Season 2022, Episode 32)

Follow our hosts: Sundaram Ramaswami, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Mclaren / Twitter

**Summary of the Inside Line F1 Podcast Episode on Daniel Ricciardo's Future in Formula 1**

1. **Introduction:**
- Daniel Ricciardo's struggles at McLaren have been a topic of discussion among Formula 1 fans and experts.
- The podcast episode delves into the reasons behind his poor performance and explores potential outcomes for his future in the sport.


2. **Ricciardo's Performance at McLaren:**
- Ricciardo's move to McLaren in 2021 was highly anticipated, but he has failed to live up to expectations.
- He has scored significantly fewer points than his teammate, Lando Norris, and has not been able to adapt to the McLaren car.
- Ricciardo's struggles have cost McLaren points and hindered their development curve.


3. **Potential Factors Contributing to Ricciardo's Struggles:**
- Ricciardo missed pre-season testing due to COVID-19, which may have affected his preparation for the season.
- The new car regulations may not suit Ricciardo's driving style, leading to difficulties in adapting to the McLaren.
- Ricciardo may be feeling pressure due to McLaren's public comments about his performance and the possibility of termination.


4. **Possible Outcomes for Ricciardo's Future:**
- McLaren may decide to terminate Ricciardo's contract early, allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams.
- Ricciardo could potentially move to a team with a car that better suits his driving style.
- Ricciardo may also consider taking a sabbatical from Formula 1 or retiring from the sport altogether.


5. **Past Examples of Drivers Struggling After Team Switches:**
- The podcast highlights several examples of drivers who made high-profile team switches but failed to succeed, such as Damon Hill to Jordan, Jacques Villeneuve to BMW Sauber, and Juan Pablo Montoya to McLaren.
- These examples raise concerns about Ricciardo's future prospects if he is unable to turn his fortunes around at McLaren.


6. **The Impact of Ricciardo's Struggles on McLaren:**
- Ricciardo's poor performance has cost McLaren valuable points and money.
- It has also slowed down the team's developmental progress, as they have had to focus on accommodating Ricciardo's needs rather than solely improving the car.


7. **The Significance of Ricciardo's Brand Value:**
- Ricciardo is a popular driver with a large fan base, particularly in Australia and the United States.
- His departure from Formula 1 would be a significant loss for the sport, as he is one of the most recognizable and marketable drivers on the grid.


8. **Predictions for Ricciardo's Future:**
- The podcast guests offer their predictions for Ricciardo's future, with some believing he will remain at McLaren and try to improve his performance, while others suggest he may leave the team or even retire from Formula 1.


9. **Conclusion:**
- The podcast episode highlights the challenges faced by Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren and explores the potential outcomes for his future in Formula 1.
- The discussion emphasizes the importance of Ricciardo's brand value and the impact his departure would have on the sport.

# Daniel Ricciardo's Uncertain Future in Formula 1: A Comprehensive Podcast Summary

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, the hosts (@f1statsguru, Soumil, and Kunal) delve into the concerning decline of Daniel Ricciardo's Formula 1 career, particularly his struggles at McLaren since 2021.

**Ricciardo's McLaren Misfortunes:**

- Ricciardo's struggles at McLaren have been evident since his arrival in 2021, with performances far below expectations.
- The 2022 season, despite rule changes expected to favor Ricciardo's driving style, has seen him score less than a quarter of his teammate Lando Norris' points.
- Ricciardo's poor performances have not only cost McLaren points and money but have also hindered their developmental progress.

**McLaren's Public Statements and Exit Clauses:**

- Zak Brown's recent public comments regarding Ricciardo's performance have raised eyebrows, leaving many to wonder if they are meant to pressure Ricciardo into better results or prepare the media for his potential dismissal.
- The question of who holds the key to Ricciardo's future remains unclear, with both Ricciardo and McLaren having the potential to terminate the partnership.

**Potential Replacements for Ricciardo:**

- Several drivers are waiting in the wings as potential replacements for Ricciardo at McLaren, including Oscar Piastri, Colton Herta, Patricio O'Ward, and Pierre Gasly.
- The acquisition of an American driver, such as Herta or O'Ward, could bring commercial benefits to McLaren, but it should not come at the expense of Ricciardo's career.

**Conclusion:**

Daniel Ricciardo's future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, with his struggles at McLaren raising questions about his ability to continue at the highest level. McLaren's public statements and the presence of potential replacements add further intrigue to the situation. The podcast emphasizes the importance of considering the human aspect of the situation, hoping that commercial success does not come at the cost of Ricciardo's career.