Ex-F1 driver claims Daniel Ricciardo not as ‘mentally strong’ as his Red Bull days

Daniel Ricciardo has got off to a horrendous start during the ongoing 2024 F1 season.

Ex-F1 driver claims Daniel Ricciardo not as ‘mentally strong’ as his Red Bull days

Daniel Ricciardo (Via: Imago)

Daniel Ricciardo‘s comeback to F1 with VCARB (AlphaTauri) has been pretty disappointing, especially in 2024. The first four rounds of the ongoing season have seen the eight-time race winner getting beaten by Yuki Tsunoda in every competitive session.

According to Ex-F1 driver, Thierry Boutsen, Daniel Ricciardo doesn’t have the same mental strength as when he was at Red Bull. The Belgian seems to think that the Australian is lacking the self-confidence he had in himself when he was a regular race winner.

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Daniel Ricciardo has been struggling to perform in F1 since 2021.

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If you drive in Formula 1, you must always give 100% of yourself – he explained – if you are influenced by trust, a physical problem or anything else, you are not doing a good job. Today you see that you are making mistakes and it is not as fast as it should and as it has been in the past. This means that his mentality is not as strong as when he won races in the past.

Thierry Bousten speaking to Formulapassion.it

Bousten added how it can be very difficult to get back into a rhythm once a driver loses his self-confidence and mental fortitude. Ricciardo desperately wants to bounce back in the upcoming race in China, amidst all the talk about his time ending in F1.

Thierry Bouston claims Daniel Ricciardo still has the talent to produce brilliance in F1

Throughout the earlier years of his career, Daniel Ricciardo was considered one of the most talented F1 drivers. The Australian was rapid in his years at Red Bull and Renault before his decline started at McLaren.

Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO).
Daniel Ricciardo (Via Imago)

Following this, Bouston spoke about the Australian’s talent amidst his struggles since 2021, during his time at McLaren. According to him, Ricciardo still has the talent to produce brilliant moves and results but is just unable to extract optimum performance from his VCARB 01.

Today, as when he was at McLaren, he has a good car that should allow him to give a show and live brilliant moments, but he doesn’t. But he doesn’t. It is very sad to see him in this position. I think his talent is there, that’s for sure. He has proven it in the past, but he is unable to use it because there is something else that pushes him down.

Thierry Bouston during the same interview

The Belgian also added how he is dejected to see the 34-year-old’s decline in the last few years. These words from Bouston will surely make Ricciardo feel better amidst all the noise about his lackluster driving over the last few years. The 2024 season is a make-or-break campaign for the Honey Badger.

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