Daniel Ricciardo risked falling into a ‘Trap’ by changing team: Mika Hakkinen

The Australian Honey Badger, Daniel Ricciardo would be racing for his 3^rd team in 4 years in the 2021 season. Having joined McLaren from Renault, Ricciardo left the former team as he did not see them making any great progress on the track. While many suspect Ricciardo might be risking his fate switching between team, former F1 World Champion Mika Hakkinen feels different. 

Hakkinen feels Ricciardo landed with the right team ahead of the 2021 season start. The Aussie was only able to earn two podiums across his two-year stint with the team. That lack of competition for race wins combined with the seemingly upward trajectory of McLaren contributed to his switching to the British team in 2021. 

Mika Hakkinen on Daniel Ricciardo changing teams 

In a video previewing McLaren’s goals for the season (conducted in Finnish, translated via YouTube captions), Mika Hakkinen spoke about the pitfalls of switching teams. 

“Switching teams is always a huge risk. A huge risk. I already said there can be 800 people in the team. You have learned to know them all. You work together for several years. When you leave, you need to start all over again. You can’t just sit in a table that is already set.” 

“You need to help set it, you need to be hands-on and motivate. Every single fork needs to be straight. It’s a tough process. It takes a lot of energy. And that’s why Ricciardo’s constant team switching has been an interesting process.” 

The Finn, however, believes that Ricciardo’s constant switching may have landed him at the perfect spot in Mclaren. 

“If you only think about your wallet, “Now I’m going there, now there.” It’s one philosophy and way of thinking. But in my opinion., it shouldn’t. You shouldn’t fall for that trap. You need to keep that championship goal in mind. That’s the shining diamond you will carry with you forever. 

“When Ricciardo left Red Bull, I saw his struggles. It wasn’t easy. Then he switched to Renault. Now he’s at Mclaren. The McLaren switch is very interesting. McLaren is in a good situation. They have a huge drive going on. The motivation is unbelievable. Ricciardo’s move comes at a perfect time. That’s how I see it.  Their development is taking huge steps forward.” 

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