Daniel Ricciardo criticised for McLaren switch by Johnny Herbert
2 min read
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has blasted Daniel Ricciardo’s move to McLaren this year, saying his growing pains had surprised everyone.
« Daniel has been a shocker, » Herbert told Motorsport Magazine.
« We never expected him to struggle so much.
The 57-year-old, who now works as a pundit for Sky, said there was no questioning the Australian’s talent.
« I can empathise with him and it’s terrible, especially when it’s been so long and you still haven’t found the answer, » he said.
« Still, we know how good he is and he knows it too.
« I’ve heard Daniel’s problems are brake-related, but it’s also down to aerodynamics.
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Herbert, who retired in 2000, said that Ricciardo’s form slump needed to be arrested soon before it was too late.
« He’s not too old, he hasn’t had a bad crash. There have been plenty of drivers for whom it (their talent) just evaporated.
« I go back to Jean (Alesi). He was the ‘next big thing’ and yet he only won one Grand Prix. It didn’t work for him, with all his natural talent.
« The problem is that if it doesn’t get better, the rumours start, and once that starts and the tornado accelerates, you’re just a passenger. »
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