Purple Bull boss, Christian Horner admits to being saddened by Daniel Ricciardo‘s present state of affairs, saying he does not recognise him as the identical man who received seven Grands Prix with the workforce.
Although he’s placing a courageous face on issues, that well-known smile, the infectious chuckle is lacking, and understandably so.
As Alpine and McLaren head to the Contract Recognition Board over who has the rights to Oscar Piastri’s companies, Ricciardo is left in limbo.
The Woking workforce has already dropped him and Alpine, with whom he spent two seasons, are hardly falling over themselves, whereas at Haas, Guether Steiner admits the Australian is one among many drivers being thought-about as teammate to Kevin Magnussen.
Having made his debut with Hispania in 2011, Ricciardo subsequently joined Toro Rosso earlier than being promoted to the ‘large workforce’ in 2014.
There, very similar to Charles Leclerc was to do at Ferrari a number of years later, Ricciardo upstaged the incumbent primary, a sure Sebastian Vettel, a lot in order that the German left at season finish.
Now, as his choices seem to vary between Alpine, Haas, WEC or a sabbatical, his former boss, Christian Horner finds it exhausting to simply accept the Australian’s demise.
“It is simply very unhappy,” he instructed Sky Sports activities. “I’m not near it. I’ve spoken to Daniel somewhat bit however I do not recognise him as the identical driver as he was when he was with us.
“He is among the finest guys on the market,” he continued. “He is undoubtedly acquired that functionality.
“I hope he finds a seat in F1, I hope he finds his mojo as a result of for those who suppose again to a few of the races he drove for us, successful Monaco with 50% of the ability (2018), he put in some superb performances and it’s a must to suppose when he was alongside Seb, when he first got here into the workforce, how he delivered, how shut he was with Max as nicely.
“It is powerful for him however I actually hope he finds one thing for the longer term.”
Very similar to Vettel noticed the writing on the wall in 2014, Ricciardo opted to depart Purple Bull on the finish of 2018 because it turned clear that Max Verstappen was going to be the workforce’s focus.
“We noticed how shut these guys had been,” stated Horner. “Max has developed since Daniel left the workforce however Daniel, on his day, he was proper there. He put in some superb performances. We had been unhappy to see him go away the workforce and his confidence has been zapped.
“We’re used to seeing him on the rostrum doing shoeys, messing round with that smile however we do not see any of that anymore.”
“I hope that he finds a possibility to additional his profession as a result of I feel F1 is healthier off having him on this championship than not.”
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