Daniel Ricciardo ‘Had to Swallow My Pride’ over McLaren F1 Team Order in Imola

Daniel Ricciardo

It is not always the case that two drivers who wear the same suit, drive the same car and are referred to as teammates, end up calling each other mates. Supporting the same, Daniel Ricciardo did something in Imola that went against the nature of any F1 driver.

Let us walk you through this happening in case you are oblivious to it. In a case of team orders being implemented, Daniel Ricciardo, while running in P4, was asked to allow his faster teammate, Lando Norris, overtake him, so the Briton could challenge those ahead of him.

“I think that’s where I certainly gonna swallow my pride,” Daniel Ricciardo admitted after the race.

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What did Daniel Ricciardo say?

https://twitter.com/BureauRacing/status/1383714435923988480

Going against an F1 driver’s true principles, Daniel Ricciardo not only admitted that his team was fair but also that his teammate was faster, “Honestly, the team were fair enough. They gave me time to try to show my pace. There were some laps where I had a bit and I could do a decent time. To be honest, when I did push, I killed the front-left tire.

“So, I think they gave me the time to show what I had and today, it wasn’t enough. So, I am not going to get into any fisticuffs because it’s fair enough.”

The Australian now has a decade of F1 racing under his belt. And a few switches of teams, as well. So, he understands the reason why he is lagging behind his teammate. He sees the positive in McLaren’s competitive pace rather than being envious to see his teammate flourish.

“I don’t think I underestimated, I was well aware when I transitioned from Red Bull to Renault. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a bit of time, but the season’s long,” said Daniel Ricciardo.

He concluded, “The positive is that Lando had a strong weekend, obviously on the Podium. I think, better that, than him in P12. It shows that we are quick.”