McLaren were puzzled by Daniel Ricciardo's slow start to life with the team as the driver claims the team expected him to "kick a**" from day one.
The Australian is 18 months into his career with the Woking team but is still yet to find any real momentum. Even ignoring the current circus surrounding his future, with Oscar Piastri waiting in the wings, things look bleak for Ricciardo.
Now on summer break, the 33-year-old has reflected on the same period 12 months ago which was much more needed after a shock to the system. Instead of quickly adapting to his new car as hoped, he was consistently out-performed by Lando Norris and unable to show the form of a multi-race winner.
"This time last year there was probably a little more head-scratching from everyone," he told Racer. "I think that’s because... the truth is, I think they just expected me to get into the team and kick a**. So there was probably still some pure head-scratching, like, 'hmm, what’s happening?'
"And that was probably overriding what needs to happen – I'm just speculating, but maybe too much energy was put into the why's and this and that before it was, 'what do we need to do now to make him feel better?'"
Ricciardo was speaking before the Piastri saga took off. There was plenty of speculation about his future given his continued struggle to find form, but he responded with a defiant message on social media in which he pledged to see out his current contract, which ends after the 2023 season.
It feels more and more unlikely that will happen, though, with McLaren keen on younger Aussie racer Piastri. Alpine wanted to promote their reserve to replace Fernando Alonso, but he denied having agreed to do so and wants instead to join the Woking team, after negotiations carried out by his manager Mark Webber.
Ricciardo has been told by his team that they want to replace him a year early, prompting the former Red Bull star to respond by asking for an eight-figure pay-off to walk away. But things might not be so simple for McLaren, who may face a legal fight with Alpine over custody of Piastri – both teams feel they have a valid contract with the F2 champion.
If Ricciardo is replaced, he will likely not be short of options for other seats in F1. At least four teams have contacted the eight-time race winner in recent weeks, while Alpine themselves said they would be happy to welcome him back with open arms if they are unable to keep Piastri within their grasp.
