In the wake of Daniel Ricciardo’s unexpected departure from Red Bull, former Haas team principal Günther Steiner has spoken out, expressing his deep concern over Ricciardo’s emotional state. Rumors had been swirling before the Singapore GP that Ricciardo would be replaced at Red Bull, and it turned out to be true, marking what appears to be his final race in Formula 1. The visibly emotional Ricciardo, with tears in his eyes during his post-race interview, left Steiner disheartened, prompting the veteran F1 boss to urge Ricciardo to spare himself from further pain.
Steiner stressed that Ricciardo’s value should not be measured solely by his popular appearances on Netflix’s ‘Drive to Survive.’ “Danny is more than just a personality for the cameras; he’s a proven race winner,” Steiner said, defending Ricciardo’s skills and legacy. Despite his recent struggles, Ricciardo’s history as a top-tier driver is undeniable, with multiple victories and a reputation as one of the most energetic figures on the grid.
“Ricciardo’s Not Just a Netflix Star”
“He’s won races in F1, he’s a talented driver, and he’s still got the skills,” Steiner asserted. But the harsh reality is that Ricciardo’s recent performances have not lived up to expectations, and this has visibly weighed on him. Despite the Australian’s best efforts to rediscover his previous form, the results haven’t followed, leaving Ricciardo stuck in a difficult spot that has impacted his mental well-being.
“I think with Danny, we shouldn’t only think of him for what he did with Drive to Survive,” Steiner continued. “He’s obviously not in a happy place, and it shows.” Steiner’s remarks reflect the sentiment that Ricciardo’s talent and past achievements should not be overshadowed by his recent hardships.
“Ricciardo’s Pain Is Visible, and It Hurts to Watch”
Steiner’s empathy for Ricciardo was on full display as he described watching the Australian’s post-Singapore interview. “He was just broken,” Steiner said. “There’s no point in putting yourself through this pain. He doesn’t need to do that.” Ricciardo’s struggles, Steiner emphasized, were palpable, a sharp contrast to the usually cheerful, upbeat driver who once radiated joy on and off the track.
Steiner’s concern goes beyond racing. He highlighted that Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull in 2018, moving to Renault (now Alpine), was a bold but ultimately challenging turn in his career. Despite early successes, Ricciardo found himself unable to maintain his peak performance, with each subsequent move compounding the pressure and disappointment. “He was a very good race car driver, winning against Max [Verstappen] and making a brave decision to leave Red Bull. It worked for a while, but then he got stuck,” Steiner reflected.
“A Crossroads: Race On or Walk Away?”
At 35, Ricciardo is still young enough to consider a return to racing, but the emotional toll of recent years is evident. Steiner’s advice to Ricciardo is clear: prioritize personal happiness over any lingering need to prove himself on the track. “He doesn’t need to suffer,” Steiner concluded, echoing Verstappen’s suggestion for Ricciardo to take some time off and relax, perhaps even enjoy a quiet period away from the racing world.
Whether Ricciardo chooses to rejoin the racing scene or take a step back to recalibrate, Steiner’s message is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the hardest battles aren’t fought on the track but within oneself. The choice now lies with Ricciardo: return to the sport he loves or find peace in a different path.
