Brutally honest Daniel Ricciardo makes raw confession about his biggest mistake during his time with Red Bull – and admits he was ‘humbled’ when he struggled badly at McLaren
- Ego was Daniel Ricciardo’s undoing in his eyes
- Fan favourite is in his second stint with Red Bull
- Now a reserve driver, was on the grid from 2014-2018
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.
‘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.
Daniel Ricciardo has admitted a selfish attitude was his undoing during his first stint with Red Bull between 2014 and 2018
Ricciardo in happier times with Red Bull after winning the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix back in 2018 – one of the top highlights of his career
‘I’m trying to build myself back up.’
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.
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.
‘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.
‘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.