Daniel Ricciardo recalls ‘really jealous’ feeling during 2023 Monaco GP before shock F1 return

Being short of a seat during the 2023 season, had forced Daniel RIcciardo into the role of a spectator at the Monaco GP.

Daniel Ricciardo recalls ‘really jealous’ feeling during 2023 Monaco GP before shock F1 return

Daniel Ricciardo (Via: Imago)

Daniel Ricciardo expressed his emotion of feeling left out during the 2023 Monaco GP. The 34-year-old was forced to the sidelines last year, following his release from McLaren. Ricciardo was assigned the role of third driver for Red Bull Racing for the 2023 campaign.

The Australian claimed his then-newly assigned role to be less stressful. However, Daniel Ricciardo felt the experience to be lacking in intensity and thrill that one achieves while pushing the race car to the limit. Ricciardo mentioned feeling jealous of the 20 drivers taking part in the 2023 Monaco GP qualifying, to Christian Horner.

I think he even said, 'You're missing this, aren't you?', and I was like 'Yeah, I'm really jealous.
Daniel Ricciardo said, as reported by racingnews.365
YouTube video

The 2018 Monaco GP winner made a mid-season F1 comeback during the 2023 F1 season. He took over Nyck de Vries‘ AlphaTauri (Now RB) seat ahead of the 2023 Hungarian GP. Daniel Ricciardo now drives alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the Visa CashApp RB team, feeling the thrill of racing yet again.

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Daniel Ricciardo praises Max Verstappen’s ‘unfazed’ drive during 2023 Monaco GP

Verstappen emerged victorious at the 2023 Monaco GP. The Dutchman led a phenomenal race although the rain caused a slight hindrance. Daniel Ricciardo, his former teammate had the advantage being a spectator of the drive led by him.

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen
Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO).

The Austrailian applauded the confidence exerted by the three-time world champion during the race. In the ground effect era of F1, the cars are slightly larger for the street track, causing them to brush against the walls during the race. Ricciardo claimed Verstappen to be unfazed by such close proximity of walls due to his incredible ability to manoeuvre the car according to his needs.

I could watch the onboard, obviously, of Max's last sector, and you can just see the connection, the confidence and brushing the walls didn't faze him.
Daniel Ricciardo explained

Such of confidence only appears when one is comfortable with the car and willing to push it without fear, mentioned Ricciardo. The 34 year old, having sat out for most of the 2023 F1 championship, has acquainted himself with the driving styles of his competitors. He now looks forward to fighting for wins and podiums with VCARB for the 2024 campaign.

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