Franz Tost claims he had “no doubts” that Daniel Ricciardo would make a stellar comeback with AlphaTauri

Franz Tost claimed that Daniel Ricciardo lacked faith at McLaren.

Franz Tost claims he had “no doubts” that Daniel Ricciardo would make a stellar comeback with AlphaTauri

Franz Tost [L[ Daniel Ricciardo [R] (Via IMAGO)

Daniel Ricciardo returned to Formula 1 mid-way through 2023. However, the Australian driver was forced off once again due to a wrist injury. Nevertheless, the Honey Badger bounced back straightway after recovering. The 34-year-old finished P7 in Mexico. Now, AlphaTauri boss Franz Tost has revealed that he was confident about the prospects of the Australian driver.

Tost made it clear that he did not doubt Ricciardo despite his struggles at McLaren. The 67-year-old claimed that someone with the experience of the Australian driver would undoubtedly find their pace once again. With the AlphaTauri boss claiming that Daniel Ricciardo could not have forgotten how to drive in Formula 1.

Absolutely no doubts. I didn’t have any doubts, because he’s experienced, and he couldn’t have lost the ability to drive an F1 car fast.

Franz Tost told Motorsport.com

The 67-year-old believed that an F1 driver can never lose the ability to race at the pinnacle of motorsport. However, Franz Tost reckoned that perhaps the Honey Badger lacked trust in the car during his time at Woking. As such, the 34-year-old struggled against Lando Norris in the same machinery as the latter simply had more faith behind the wheel.

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Once you know this, you don't lose it. And what he missed maybe in the past was the trust in the car, trust in the team. Therefore, he couldn't perform on the level which we know he is normally able to do.

Daniel Ricciardo surprised Franz Tost in Mexico

Ricciardo had shown decent pace during free practice in Mexico City. The 34-year-old was expected to easily break into the Top 10 during Qualifying. However, Franz Tost has revealed that the Honey Badger astonished him with a stellar performance that saw him place his car in P4 for the main race.

The AlphaTauri boss admitted that he did not expect to see Ricciardo start from the second row. The 67-year-old reckoned that he thought the Australian would probably make it to sixth place. Tost praised Daniel Ricciardo’s performance in the race as the Honey Badger managed to fend off Lewis Hamilton at the start of the race before falling down the order.

Certainly, Daniel Ricciardo has delivered impressive results since coming back to the grid in 2023. The Australian driver has proved himself as a driver who remains one of the most talented on the grid. The 34-year-old would be looking to bring in some solid results for the team in the remaining three rounds of the season.

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