Daniel Ricciardo has admitted a selfish attitude was his undoing during his first stint with Red Bull as he endures his first year without an F1 drive since 2010. The Perth-born star , 33, shocked F1 fans when he defected to Renault in 2018 – and when reflecting on the move believes he had a sense of entitlement when on the books of Red Bull across four seasons.
Ricciardo then moved to McLaren in 2020 – and the results were grim. He admitted to being ‘humbled’ by the lack of success he experienced with the famous team as a shocking run of poor form saw his F1 contract ended a year early.
‘Looking back at 2018 … it was all about me, me, me,’ Ricciardo told the Athletic. ‘At times, I reacted a little too selfishly to a bad weekend. ‘Now, I’m back with the [Red Bull] team, but I’d say it’s a very selfless role. I’ve got no hidden agenda. ‘I’m trying to build myself back up.’
He was sensationally replaced by fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri, leaving the fan favourite in the wilderness. After pondering his future, he elected to be a reserve driver for Red Bull – and is now adamant his desire to succeed has returned – as well as a better attitude.
‘It’s accepting that it’s not always going to be perfect. It’s just a reality of life.’ Ricciardo also stated while he isn’t fully committed to a comeback, the feeling is ‘brewing’ each day.
‘I soon realised that OK, I’m not perfect,’ Ricciardo added. ‘If I was to get back on the grid, of course the hunger would be filled to the top. ‘But it wouldn’t be coming from a place where my ego or pride is getting in the way.
