Zak Brown claims everyone at McLaren was unhappy about the $18 million worth ‘divorce’ with Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo was sacked by McLaren following a dismal 2022 season, and was left without a seat until halfway through 2023.

Zak Brown claims everyone at McLaren was unhappy about the $18 million worth ‘divorce’ with Daniel Ricciardo

Zak Brown and Daniel Ricciardo (Via IMAGO)

Daniel Ricciardo joined McLaren in 2021, partnering Lando Norris three years after leaving Red Bull. Ricciardo immediately had troubles with the team and was vastly outperformed by Norris in 2021 despite winning one race in Monza.

The 2022 season saw Ricciardo have even more troubles and was completely outclassed by teammate Norris. McLaren was forced to let go of him a year before his contract concluded and pay him $18 million for it, too. CEO Zak Brown admitted that leaving Ricciardo was not an easy decision for the team.

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Daniel has always been great to work with, always been a great friend. It was never a divorce that made anybody happy.
Zak Brown said, as reported by speedcafe.com

Ricciardo has since joined AlphaTauri halfway through the 2023 season for a second chance for redemption. After an injury left him out of contention for many races this year, 2024 will be Ricciardo’s chance to prove himself.

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Daniel Ricciardo taken aback by MotoGP riders’ pain tolerance

Daniel Ricciardo suffered an injury at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2023 which afflicted his wrist to the point that he could not race for many weekends. Ricciardo was sent to the hospital under the care of motorsports doctor Xavier MIr.

Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)

Mir, who also tended to Lance Stroll’s wrist injury earlier in 2023, is the primary doctor for MotoGP riders. Ricciardo recounted his time in the hospital, impressed by MotoGP riders’ resilience and strength, especially when it came to injuries sustained while racing.

Oh, F1, MotoGP, they are the same: they are not human, they don’t feel pain. I think they thought I was as tough as a MotoGP rider. But I’m not.
Daniel Ricciardo said, as reported by formulapassion.it

Ricciardo went back to racing upon his recovery, and went right back to the form he was previously in. With valuable points earned for AlphaTauri in just his second week back, the Australian will be hoping to keep that momentum going for 2024.

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