Jolyon Palmer questions if Daniel Ricciardo’s ‘character’ impacted his F1 career

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Daniel Ricciardo remains a favourite among Formula 1 fans, but according to Jolyon Palmer, his approach to the media might have held him back at times during his career.

Ricciardo had eight wins and 32 podiums. He built up a strong fan base worldwide. A lot of it came from Netflix’s Drive To Survive.

Even after replacing him at McLaren in 2023, Piastri said: “He was always one of my favourite drivers growing up.”

Jolyon Palmer questions if Daniel Ricciardo’s personality held him back in F1

Ricciardo’s upbeat personality was felt throughout the paddock, and he brought a noticeable spark to Red Bull. But Palmer has questioned whether that energy really mattered to his driving and suggested it might have worked against him at times.

He said on F1 Nation: “My one thing is, because I was thinking when you talk like media personalities, how people are in front of the camera, and Daniel Ricciardo is someone that springs to mind.

“What a character. When things are going well, and Danny Ric’s in happy, bubbly Danny Ric-style, you’re thinking this guy is really bringing in an extra energy and vibrancy around Red Bull, particularly in those days.”

“I guess the brand is important, so Lewis brings a huge amount to Ferrari. And Danny Ric in the past would have brought a lot in terms of characters and personality, but it doesn’t necessarily help you on the track.

“So there’s a sort of split there with – it’s nice to have someone with a big personality who waltzes into Austin on a horse. Great. But that comes at the cost of something else though.”

Daniel Ricciardo Says He’s Thankful For the Way His F1 Career Came to an End

Ricciardo’s career didn’t wrap up quite how many had pictured it. His move from to Renault in 2019 took a lot of people by surprise.