F1 fans furious at ‘disgusting’ Daniel Ricciardo treatment on pre-race show broadcast

It’s been a rough year for Daniel Ricciardo fans and they were filthy at what was perceived as a low blow aimed at the Aussie F1 driver.

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September 5, 2022 - 7:33AM

Australian driver Oscar Piastri is joining McLaren’s F1 team

It’s been a rough year for Daniel Ricciardo fans and they were filthy at what was perceived as a low blow aimed at the Aussie F1 driver at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Ricciardo completed another forgettable weekend with a 17th-placed finish in a race won by Max Verstappen, but it was the F1 TV pre-race show that ruffled supporters of the 33-year-old.

During brief discussions about the fortunes of a range of different drivers, the broadcast displayed a two-word graphic that set off the Ricciardo Army.

“Struggling again,” it read, sparking anger among fans of the West Aussie who have also taken issue with the way his exit from McLaren was handled by the team.

Other driver descriptions were far more rudimentary so the editorialising of Ricciardo’s bio was seen as “disgusting” and “toxic”.

This is so disgusting.. it's not even a typo. Clearly degrading and disregarding his efforts. Whoever did this must be a McLaren fan for sure. #DutchGP #F1 @danielricciardo pic.twitter.com/dJmXQhWOpt
— Batman (@dark98rises) September 4, 2022

Interesting to see @F1 always claiming to be against toxic behaviour and harassement, just to be a prime example of toxicity when Ricciardo is "struggling again" ðŸ‘#F1 #Formel1 #Formula1 #DutchGP #ZandvoortGP pic.twitter.com/EfcgWzFax9
— Dave Gaming (@DaveGaming73) September 4, 2022

Ricciardo finished 10 positions behind teammate Lando Norris at Zandvoort.

He was heard saying “I know it’s been pretty painful off late, but we’ll keep at it” over the team radio post-race, to which the McLaren team replied: “Don’t worry, Daniel. We’re still pushing. It’ll come.”

Another piece of vision from trackside also set tongues wagging.

Ricciardo was shown talking to Red Bull driver Sergio Perez pre-race and appeared to mention the prospect of taking a year away from F1 before returning in 2024.