P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career never reached the heights it had done after he left Red Bull, leaving David Coulthard confident as to why the Australian fell so dramatically.
Former F1 driver David Coulthard attributes Daniel Ricciardo’s decline in performance to personal “baggage” acquired after abruptly leaving Red Bull in 2018. Ricciardo spent five successful seasons with Red Bull, consistently achieving podium finishes, a feat he could not replicate at Renault, McLaren, or AlphaTauri. Despite being a strong contender at Red Bull and one of the few to challenge teammate Max Verstappen, Ricciardo’s form dipped after the move. Following lackluster stints at Renault and McLaren, he briefly left the grid before returning with Red Bull as a reserve driver in 2023. Coulthard suggested that Ricciardo’s trajectory was negatively impacted by his departure from Red Bull, leading to subpar performances in subsequent teams. Despite moments of brilliance, such as his win at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, Ricciardo’s career after Red Bull failed to reach the same heights, leaving many questioning the decision to part ways with the Milton Keynes-based team.
