Daniel Ricciardo drops retirement hint, opens up on ‘bitterness’ from Red Bull departure

Daniel Ricciardo has dropped a clue on when he might retire from F1, while addressing the most contentious move of his career.

Daniel Ricciardo has reflected on his career to date. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo says he hasn’t contemplated retiring from F1 yet as he declared he holds no “bitterness” about his decision to leave Red Bull.

Speculation is mounting Ricciardo’s days on the grid are numbered as his performances come under the microscope and McLaren looks to the future.

Watch Every Practice, Qualifying & Race of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship™ Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Rumours have been ramping up he may find himself usurped at McLaren even before his contract expires at the end of 2023, with the spotlight focusing on American IndyCar prodigy Colton Herta as a potential replacement.

The 22-year-old is a development driver at McLaren and as part of his deal, Herta is set to test the MCL35M this year.

This week McLaren CEO Zak Brown didn’t exactly give Ricciardo a ringing endorsement as he confirmed Herta was part of the team’s future plans.

“We do like to think long out, hence (we are) doing some testing … with Colton,” Brown told the F1 Nation podcast.

“So I don’t think you can ever plan too early, but there’s no rush.”

Reflecting on his time in F1 ahead of Monday’s Miami Grand Prix, Ricciardo acknowledged he is on the home stretch of his career but said retirement isn’t on his mind just yet.

“I think going deeper into it, no, I’m not considering it or anything,” he told ESPN.

Daniel Ricciardo isn’t thinking about retirement just yet. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP)

“But I’m also aware that I’ve done 10, 11 years now. Am I gonna do another 10 more? “Unless I start winning every race and it makes a lot of sense, I don’t have 10 more in me.

“So I’m definitely on the second part of it. I couldn’t tell you now if it’s three years, five years, whatever, but I’m aware that I can’t see myself doing this at 40.”

“I’m still passionate about the sport and I still want to do good in it, so that’s it. It’s as simple as that.

“You just pull back (the negatives). I’m still enjoying it. The results aren’t there yet. But a negative attitude isn’t going to help me get those results either.”

The Australian also opened up on his decision to leave Red Bull after the 2018 season.

In hindsight, the move doesn’t appear to be a wise one given his former teammate Max Verstappen won last year’s world championship and Ricciardo finished eighth in his first campaign with McLaren.

It’s now highly unlikely Ricciardo will win a world title but he said he has learned not to hold onto any “bitterness” over his decision to leave Red Bull or dwell on what might have been.

“It’s just perspective, and that changes everything,” he said.

“I think through doing it for so many years now, and just a bit of wisdom, maturity, and perspective, I don’t beat myself up about it anymore.

The Aussie says he isn’t bitter about his decision to leave Red Bull. Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images/AFP

“I know when I was 27 or 28 I would say in interviews, like, I’m running out of time, I’m not world champion yet. I was a bit bitter about it then. But I’ve kind of let that element go.

“In terms of just carrying that, I don’t. I never wanted to carry an anger or bitterness, like ‘oh man, I should have, could have, would have’. It is what it is. You just waste time and energy sulking about that stuff.”

After moving on from Red Bull, the 32-year-old spent two years at Renault and is now in his second year at McLaren.

Ricciardo showed glimpses of his best form when he secured two podiums with the French-based team and broke through for a memorable victory at Monza last year.

But his overall form has faltered since departing Red Bull and he sits 11th in the drivers’ standings on 11 points from four races this season.