Aussie driver Daniel Ricciardo ‘offered a lifeline by F1 cult hero’ with move from McLaren likely

Aussie F1 superstar Daniel Ricciardo has had a disappointing season on the track, but there appears to be an unlikely light at the end of the tunnel: a career lifeline from cult Haas boss Guenther Steiner. 

It now appears a fait accompli that the 33-year-old won’t be driving at McLaren next year, but until now the next steps for the ‘Honey Badger’ have not been entirely clear.

Ricciardo has only managed to finish in the top 10 on four occasions this year, despite the season being 13 races old.

Another Aussie, rising star Oscar Piastri, will reportedly replace Ricciardo at McLaren from next season, leaving him on the hunt for a new team despite having a season to run on his mammoth $20.8million yearly salary.

Daniel Ricciardo will most likely not be racing at McLaren next season after a slew of disappointing results over the past two campaigns

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, a fan favourite on Drive to Survive, has reportedly approached Ricciardo about a move to the team

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, a fan favourite on Drive to Survive, has reportedly approached Ricciardo about a move to the team

Enter Steiner.

The effervescent Haas team principal has been a fan favourite on the hit Netflix series Drive to Survive, and ESPN has reported he contacted Ricciardo just prior to the midseason break to gauge his interest in moving to the team. 

The two animated personalities would make for fantastic television if they were to unite, but the team would struggle to afford his salary, with Ricciardo’s $18million more than current driver Mick Schumacher’s pay packet.

Ricciardo is adamant he will not retire, saying he is as motivated as ever to continue on the F1 grid. 

Daniel Ricciardo recently confirmed his relationship with actress Heidi Berger after sharing a photo of himself (front) and Heidi (centre) smiling and posing with several other friends

Daniel Ricciardo recently confirmed his relationship with actress Heidi Berger after sharing a photo of himself (front) and Heidi (centre) smiling and posing with several other friends

‘I could probably keep going … I believe I still thrive off it because I still believe I belong (in Formula 1) and can do it. That’s what really gets me jacked,’ he told Speedcafe.com. 

‘And the love of it, as well as knowing that any weekend that could be there (a win), like it could be around the corner, you know.

‘The truth is, the highs you get are just so high because so much goes into it. So then the high and the reward is pretty amazing and pretty spectacular,’ said Ricciardo of why he could keep going despite not having the results he had hoped for this season.

Ricciardo’s struggles aren’t all his fault, however.

Daniel Ricciardo crashes during practice ahead of the Monaco GP in late May

Daniel Ricciardo crashes during practice ahead of the Monaco GP in late May

It’s been revealed that McLaren’s facilties are so old, $300million is required to update them to a satisfactory standard. 

The England-based team is using a simulator for testing and practice that is more than two decades old.

McLaren have also been using a wind tunnel owned by Toyota for several decades.

Daniel Ricciardo (left) and teammate Lando Norris (right) have both suffered from car issues this season for McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo (left) and teammate Lando Norris (right) have both suffered from car issues this season for McLaren

A state-of the-art wind tunnel is crucial for an F1 team given the constant requirements for the car to stay ahead of the game when it comes to technological advancements.

The wind tunnel is used to study the aerodynamic affects and speed of the car – and it’s safe to say judging by McLaren’s results this season they are yet to improve the car, and its consistency, enough to compete with the rest of the field.   

The $300million upgrade for a new wind tunnel and simulator is on the horizon – but the team won’t even see the benefits until the 2024 season. 

Ricciardo is currently on a midseason break along with the rest of the grid

Ricciardo is currently on a midseason break along with the rest of the grid

‘In terms of the facilities … it’ll make quite a big difference to us because we’re working in probably the oldest simulator in the pitlane,’ McLaren’s technical director James Key told F1 publication The Race. 

‘It’s the original, albeit updated, and it’s fantastic considering how well it’s served the team for 20 years or whatever it is, but it’s definitely generation zero.

‘So when both of those come online, and they’re almost at a testing phase now so we’re really beginning to see these projects coming together, the wind tunnel will allow us to do things we can’t do at all at the moment and that will give us a huge amount more information.’

Daniel Ricciardo is pictured holidaying in America as he enjoys the F1 midseason break

Daniel Ricciardo is pictured holidaying in America as he enjoys the F1 midseason break

Ricciardo will likely not ever see the benefits of the upgrades, but Key’s admissions give valuable context as to why he and the team have been so disappointing this season. 

The midseason break ends this weekend, when the paddock heads to the famous Spa track for the Belgian GP.

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