F1 pundit Martin Brundle reveals 'flawed decision' which still haunts Daniel Ricciardo

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Brundle reveals 'flawed decision' which still HAUNTS superstar driver

Ricciardo's decision to leave Red Bull may have been in error

Kevin McKenna

Thursday 13 June 2024 11:57

Formula 1 pundit Martin Brundle has claimed that Daniel Ricciardo is still plagued by a costly decision made earlier in his career.

The Visa Cash App RB driver has endured a difficult start to the 2024 campaign, delivering a series of inconsistent performances, and been criticised by some legends of the sport, including Jacques Villeneuve, in recent weeks.

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He has shown glimpses of his undoubted talent at times, producing a stunning drive to secure fourth spot in the Miami Sprint Race, while he also impressed during last weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, finishing eighth in testing conditions.

The 34-year-old, however, has been consistently outperformed by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, who boasts a 7-2 record in qualifying this year, and has secured points in five of his last seven races.

Daniel Ricciardo has failed to impress for RB this season

Team-mate Yuki Tsunoda has consistently got the better of the Australian

'World-class talent' should have stayed at Red Bull

Ricciardo drove for Red Bull between 2014-2018, winning seven times whilst partnering former world champion Sebastian Vettel, as well as current title-holder Max Verstappen.

The Australian opted to leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit ahead of the 2019 season to embark on a new challenge at Renault, before moving on to endure an disappointing spell spell at McLaren.

Having been brought back into the F1 fold at RB following a short spell away from the sport in 2023, Ricciardo had ambitions of making a return to Red Bull.

That prospect looks increasingly unlikely to materialise now given the team's decision to retain Sergio Perez for another season.

Ricciardo raced under Red Bull boss Christian Horner from 2014-2018

Writing in his Sky Sports column, Brundle reflected on Ricciardo's decision to leave Red Bull whilst at the top of his game, claiming that he 'never seemed to be quite the same driver' following that departure.

"Daniel has won eight GPs including an outstanding Monaco victory, scored 32 podiums, and has regularly shown world-class talent," he said.

"But those results were quite a while ago and I wish he'd not left Red Bull at the end of 2018. That was an emotional and flawed decision, he should have faced up to Max in the best car, then he'd have necessarily raised his game even further.

"Ricciardo never seemed to be quite the same driver again.

"He clearly still does have speed and race craft, as we witnessed also in the Miami Sprint, but something in his psyche or approach is holding that back and it's costing him opportunity and longevity."

Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo Canadian Grand Prix Martin Brundle Jacques Villeneuve Visa Cash App RB