Daniel Ricciardo has denied that a derogatory comment picked up by a hot mic during the launch on Thursday of F1's 2022 car was directed at the new design.
The McLaren driver put social media in a frenzy during the presentation when he was heard saying: "Yeah, no it’s terrible. It’s shit, it’s worse."
Although the Aussie was out of the frame, it was assumed that Ricciardo was speaking his colorful mind about the radical design around which all the drivers had regrouped.
In the presentation video, the 31-year-old went on the record with his official assessment of the F1 mock-up.
"I like the rear of it," he said. "The rear looks pretty old school, it reminds me of 2008, with that style, which is cool. The front is very different, but like all things, the more you stare at it, the more normal it will start to look."
But when confronted later on with his initial open mic insolence, Ricciardo set the record straight about the moment.
"I was probably talking about something else because to be honest we were talking about quite a few things," said the Australian.
"To be honest I do not recall saying anything like that because I actually thought it was pretty cool. I wouldn’t have been that aggressive to it, maybe it was the paint scheme, but I wouldn’t have said that about it."
Ricciardo was at a loss to remember exactly what he had said and to whom in the spur of the moment.
"I’m actually curious now," he added. "Was I standing next to Lando? I don’t swear around Lando because he is still quite young. You have got me there.
"I will clarify that I definitely didn’t think it was shit. I was actually quite okay with it and I think I mentioned something about liking the rear. Anyway there is no negativity around the new car here."
Meanwhile, Ricciardo's former Red Bull teammate, championship leader Max Verstappen, labeled the 2022 car as "interesting".
"It’s interesting, it looks very different to what we are used to," said the Dutchman.
"The most important thing is that the racing is better. We have to be able to follow the car in front of us closer and if this is the way forward for that, I will be delighted."
Title rival Lewis Hamilton said that, regardless of the car's esthetics, he hopes it will lead to better racing.
"It’s a serious challenge getting used to a new era and if this car makes following easier then it will be amazing for the fans and the sport."
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc reckoned the 2022 machine is "definitely going to change quite a bit".
"I’ve already tried it on the sim and it is quite a different car to drive. It looks cool, it looks aggressive and hopefully it will improve the racing."
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