“He’s a good kid,” Daniel Ricciardo ‘happy’ for fellow Australian Oscar Piastri despite being replaced by him at McLaren

Oscar Piastri had replaced Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren in 2023. However, Ricciardo was glad to see his fellow countryman succeed in F1.

“He’s a good kid,” Daniel Ricciardo ‘happy’ for fellow Australian Oscar Piastri despite being replaced by him at McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo [L] Oscar Piastri [R] (images via IMAGO)

Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren parted ways at the end of 2022 despite having a contract till 2023. The 8-time race winner had struggled throughout his time at the Woking-based team. McLaren opted to replace Ricciardo with Oscar Piastri last year who has delivered some impressive results so far. Now, the 34-year-old has praised his countryman for his performances.

Ricciardo was asked if he was glad to see Piastri finish fourth at the Australian GP. The VCARB driver stated that he was happy for the 22-year-old. Daniel Ricciardo appreciated the McLaren’s driver’s result despite failing to score points himself.

Yeah it seems to be an Aussie favorite! No, I’m happy.
Daniel Ricciardo said, as reported by RacingNews365
YouTube video

Moreover, the 8-time race winner mentioned that Oscar Piastri is a good ‘kid.’ Ricciardo claimed that as he got to spend more time with the 22-year-old, he was growing more fond of him. Daniel Ricciardo was pleased to see Piastri get solid results for Australia in the pinnacle of motorsport. Recently, McLaren team boss Andrea Stella applauded Oscar Piastri’s improvement trajectory since making his debut last year.

FS Video
I couldn’t get points, but Oscar did a great top four. He’s a good kid. The more time I spend with him, I like him a lot, and happy that he’s doing well for Australia.
Daniel Ricciardo stated

Daniel Ricciardo claims he had a ‘good week’ at the Australian GP despite scoring no points

Ricciardo has struggled in the first three races of the 2024 season. The Honey Badger was outperformed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda at the Australian GP, where the Japanese driver scored crucial points for VCARB. Daniel Ricciardo’s former teammate Nico Hulkenberg was confused by the 8-time race winner’s struggles this season.

Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo (Via: Imago)

Nevertheless, the Honey Badger claimed that it had been a good week. Daniel Ricciardo recalled the ‘draining’ 2019 Australian GP during his first season with Renault when he retired from the race. However, the 34-year-old reckoned that this year’s race was similar to 2022 when the VCARB driver enjoyed his outing at Albert Park.

It was a really good week. I think it was my first year with Renault in particular, I felt like by the Sunday I was just drained and we tried to do too much... I certainly didn’t feel like that this week, I felt like, even 2022 when we came back after Covid, I had a really good time here. It was the same this week.
Daniel Ricciardo noted

Daniel Ricciardo remains determined to bounce back despite having a slow start to 2024. VCARB has highlighted the Australian’s important role at the Red Bull sister team. As such, it seems that the 34-year-old is in a supportive environment which could help propel his results. Fans would be looking forward to seeing Ricciardo improve in the coming races.

In case you missed it: