Daniel Ricciardo: No confidence about F1 future despite McLaren support

• Ricciardo stated that his contract is until 2023 ends.
• He stated prior to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that he had cleared matters with Brown.
• He believes he has become immune to the media.

During the weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix, CEO Zak Brown stated that the performance of Daniel Ricciardo had fallen short of expectations and that there were “mechanisms” that may lead to their separation.

In spite of the fact that Ricciardo is under contract until the end of 2023, Brown’s statements were seen as indicating a potential change for the upcoming season.

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Ricciardo stated prior to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that he had cleared matters with Brown since Monaco and been assured there would be no change in strategy.

However, after being informed that his position was secure, he stated that he had no intention of becoming comfortable over his seat.

“Absolutely not,” he said. “There is a level of signing early in a season that gives you some comfort, but that comfort shouldn’t be misconstrued with complacency. Absolutely not.

“It’s as simple as this. My results, I want them to be better. I know that it can be better. And I want to enjoy that success with the team.

“So I’m not going to just sit back in 13th and be complacent or happy about that. Not at all.”

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Daniel Ricciardo stated that, regardless of Brown’s remarks, he and his superiors were totally aligned on resolving issues and developing momentum for 2023.

“We’ve spoke,” he said, when asked by Motorsport.com if he had discussed things with Brown since the media reports emerged. “We’ve had a catch up. I think nothing needed to be kind of elaborated on it.

“I think sometimes we, and I’m guilty of it as well, get caught up in the media and not always make total sense of things. But it is clear for us moving forward.

“My contract’s clear with the team until the end of next year. I’m fully committed and I’ve certainly voiced that.

“It’s obviously now just on track, to show it and show these moments and these races that I know I am capable of. And I do truly believe that I have the full support of the team and we want to do it together. ”

Although the tone of Brown’s statements against Ricciardo over the Monaco weekend represented a shift from the team’s previous stance, the Australian driver stated that he was not surprised by the comments.

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“Maybe I kind of become a little bit immune to the media, I think being in the sport for so long,” he said.

“I know that some things are taken out of context. So I’m not really one to like go into it and read too much and try and understand it. At the end of the day, I guess I know the facts between us and what I have with the team.

“So, simply, I don’t get caught up with it. So no, I guess I’m not surprised with anything these days.”