After the Hungarian Grand Prix, long-time Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher can imagine Daniel Ricciardo leaving McLaren immediately and Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto being fired.
“I see two people’s jobs in danger. In addition to Daniel Ricciardos, Mattias too,” said the “Sky” expert. “If things continue like this, it won’t be easy for him. He has to perform now. Too many things have gone wrong. When Ferrari have the chance to drive for the world championship again and throw it away, that’s it already bitter.”
At the race at the Hungaroring, Ferrari once again caused a lack of understanding with controversial strategic decisions.
Charles Leclerc initially dominated the race. Then a disastrous tire decision caused a red disaster. In the end, the Monegasque finished sixth, teammate Carlos Sainz jr. was only fourth.
Formula 1: Harsh criticism of Ferrari
Leclerc is now 80 points behind World Cup leader Max Verstappen. The title chances of the 24-year-old are only theoretical.
“Red disaster. Ferrari’s next own goal. The red downfall,” wrote the Italian sports daily “Gazzetta dello Sport”. Criticism of Binotto is also growing in Scuderia’s home country.
In addition to Ferrari, Ricciardo was also one of the losers of the Hungarian GP. The Australian finished a disappointing 15th – another low of a poor season.
Is Daniel Ricciardo threatened with Formula 1?
Schumacher can imagine that Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri will take over Ricciardo’s cockpit at McLaren after the summer break.
“If you have the opportunity, then I have to honestly say: The faster the young driver is in there, the more experience he can gain,” said the brother of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher.
An immediate exit from Ricciardo despite his contract running until the end of 2023 would be “bitter again, no question about it,” said Ralf Schumacher. “But it’s already bitter – and then you’ll be better off next year.”
Ricciardo has only collected 19 points so far in 2022 and is twelfth in the drivers’ standings. Team-mate Lando Norris, on the other hand, is seventh with 76 points.
“When you fight with one driver against a team with two drivers, it’s difficult – and Lando Norris can’t do it all alone,” said Schumacher.