Daniel Riccardo reveals fractured relationship after just one year with Mclaren

Daniel Ricciardo has opened up about his challenging first season with McLaren, revealing that he sensed trouble in his tenure with the team midway through 2021. In an interview preceding the Dutch Grand Prix, Ricciardo disclosed that he felt weighed down by the meticulous scrutiny the McLaren team applied to find marginal gains, a method that didn't align with his driving style. He acknowledged that while this approach might suit other drivers, it wasn't conducive to his optimal performance.

Reflecting on his first year at McLaren, Ricciardo noted that around the summer break, he recognized that the focus on minute details was not working for him and that the team needed to adjust its approach. Although efforts were made to make the partnership successful, he came to the realization that the meticulous approach was hindering his performance. Looking back, Ricciardo believes they might have still gone too far into the details, though he acknowledged that this methodology could suit a different driver.

Ricciardo's departure from McLaren was announced a year ago, and he completed his final race for the team in Abu Dhabi. After a brief absence from the grid, he returned with AlphaTauri for the Hungarian Grand Prix, replacing Nyck De Vries. Despite not having driven the car before practice, Ricciardo impressed by qualifying 13th ahead of his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

Although his race in Hungary was compromised by an early collision, he showcased strategic prowess and tire management to recover to 13th place. He faced a tougher challenge in Belgium, finishing 16th, but his team praised his performances upon his return.

After the European summer break, Ricciardo admitted that he used the time to "play catch up" on his race fitness, which was slightly lacking due to his time away from the cockpit. He expressed contentment with how he felt after the race in Hungary and emphasized the importance of being physically fit to alleviate mental pressure during race weekends.

As the Formula 1 season resumed with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Ricciardo anticipated a demanding test of his fitness on one of the most physically demanding circuits on the calendar. The high-speed corners at Zandvoort put significant strain on drivers' neck muscles, making physical preparation essential for a successful performance.

Ricciardo's candid reflections and determination to adapt to the challenges highlight his commitment to improvement and his drive to regain top form in the competitive world of Formula 1.