Tom Coronel did not hold back in his critique of Daniel Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull for Renault in 2018, calling the move a mistake driven by financial motives rather than a passion for racing. Coronel, a seasoned F1 pundit, argued that Ricciardo’s career has been on a downward trajectory since his departure from Red Bull, and he expressed doubts about the Australian driver’s future in the sport.
Ricciardo, who has raced for multiple teams throughout his Formula 1 career, made headlines when he chose to exit Red Bull and join Renault. Coronel believes that this decision was primarily motivated by money, rather than the pursuit of success on the track. According to Coronel, Ricciardo’s move away from Red Bull was a significant blunder, as it marked the beginning of a decline in his performance.
Coronel didn’t mince words when discussing Ricciardo’s subsequent struggles. He pointed out that while some people initially believed Ricciardo might transform and thrive at Renault, the reality was quite the opposite. Coronel highlighted that Ricciardo failed to achieve the desired success at Renault and later at McLaren, where his performances continued to fall short of expectations. The Dutch pundit even extended his critique to Ricciardo’s current stint at AlphaTauri, suggesting that the 35-year-old has been unable to rediscover his form.
Known for his charismatic personality and vibrant presence on the F1 grid, Ricciardo remains a fan favorite, but Coronel suggested that his future might lie outside of racing. Coronel proposed that Ricciardo would be well-suited to a career as an F1 co-commentator or analyst, roles where his humor and flair could be put to good use. However, Coronel was blunt in his assessment, stating that Ricciardo is no longer among the top 20 drivers in the world and that it might be time for him to step away from competitive racing.
Despite Coronel’s harsh critique, Ricciardo appears determined to continue his racing career. The Australian driver is focused on proving himself in the 2024 season, which many view as a critical juncture in his career. Ricciardo has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Red Bull, where he achieved much of his early success, as he looks to reignite his Formula 1 career.
Coronel’s comments reflect a broader debate within the F1 community about Ricciardo’s career choices and his current place in the sport. While some believe he still has the potential to compete at the highest level, others, like Coronel, are less optimistic, suggesting that Ricciardo’s best days may be behind him. The 2024 season will likely be pivotal in determining whether Ricciardo can reestablish himself as a top driver or whether he will need to explore new opportunities outside the cockpit.
Photo from Daniel Ricciardo Instagram
