Following Daniel Ricciardo’s recent departure from Formula 1, after a challenging season with VCARB, McLaren CEO Zak Brown took a moment to reflect on the Australian’s memorable stint with the Woking-based team. Ricciardo, who joined McLaren in 2021 after leaving Renault, brought both highs and lows during his tenure, but one moment stands out above all: his unforgettable win at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Ricciardo’s time at McLaren was marked by ups and downs, but his iconic Monza victory etched his name into McLaren’s history books. Brown, who signed Ricciardo as Carlos Sainz departed for Ferrari, spoke fondly of the 35-year-old, praising him as a “supremely quick driver” and an “awesome person to be around.”
“Daniel, you’re one of a kind,” Brown stated. “A supremely quick driver and an awesome person to be around. Your win in Monza will forever be etched into McLaren’s history.”
A Victory That Left a Mark—Literally
The Monza triumph wasn’t just a highlight for Ricciardo—it was a defining moment for Brown, who even got a tattoo to commemorate the victory. For Brown, that race remains one of the best moments of his life. “It was one of the best moments of my life, and I have the tattoo to prove it!” he said, emphasizing how special that day was for both him and Ricciardo.
Brown also reminisced about another favorite moment: watching Ricciardo take the wheel of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s iconic 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo at the Circuit of the Americas. The smile and thrill on Ricciardo’s face as he thrashed the classic NASCAR around the track captured his infectious love for racing, which endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
“Watching you thrash Dale Earnhardt Sr’s 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo around COTA is also one of my favorite memories of our time together! MEGA!” Brown added, illustrating the fun and unique experiences they shared during Ricciardo’s time with the team.
An Emotional Farewell and a Confident Future
Despite Ricciardo’s struggles, his time in F1 is marked by unforgettable moments, his iconic shoey celebrations, and his ever-present smile. As Ricciardo moves on, Brown expressed confidence that whatever comes next for the Australian will be a success, urging him to “crush whatever it is” in his next chapter.
With Ricciardo’s departure, Red Bull’s junior driver Liam Lawson is set to fill his seat for the remainder of the 2024 season, taking on the challenge left by one of the sport’s most charismatic figures. For Ricciardo, the end of his F1 career is just the beginning of another adventure, one that promises to be as lively and unpredictable as the man himself.
