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Ricciardo turned to psychologist amid F1 struggles

Daniel Ricciardo has revealed that he turned to a psychologist last year amid his struggles with McLaren to deal with the dispiritedness that had extended into his private life.

Ricciardo's move from Renault to McLaren at the start of the 2021 season came with high expectations, but from the outset the Aussie was comprehensively outpaced by teammate Lando Norris and unable to raise his game.

As he struggled to adapt to his new environment, frustration and disappointment set in, followed by a sense of sadness and nonfulfillment that eventually compelled him to seek some outside help.

"Whenever we thought we had found a solution, along would come another set of challenges," he recounted, speaking to the Daily Mail.

"When you put so much into something, and it doesn’t work out there is sadness. It gets to you. Last year it affected me a little bit too much.

©McLaren

"I wouldn’t be my usual bubbly self. I would be reluctant if someone said let’s go out for dinner. I would need some cajoling. I let it get to me.

"I started to speak to a psychologist last year. The most challenging year I have had.

"Racing is very much results driven and dictates your Sunday happiness. I was neglecting friendships and thought it would be good to talk to someone to make sure the two sides of my life didn’t cross over.

"You need perspective. And with the calendar being so long, it was hard to remove yourself from what was happening in the racing."

Ricciardo's three-year contract with McLaren will come to an early end at this month's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a termination that has left him without a drive for 2023 and pondering his future.

"It is fair to say it was unexpected, given I was on a three-year deal that had a year to run," explained the 33-year-old.

"It is not something you can prepare for. But I’d already had some honest discussions with Andreas Seidl and Zak Brown earlier in the year to see what we could do to improve things.

"It was a concern on both sides. I didn’t want to keep coming 14th or 15th. I kept the faith that something would click. But it hadn’t happened by mid-season and they took the decision they did.

"It put me in a tough position of thinking: ‘What next?’"

©Instagram/DanielRicciardo

Although he won't be racing in F1 next year – unless unforeseen circumstances prompt him to return to the fray – Ricciardo is eager to remain involved with a top team, possibly as a reserve drive.

Talks with Mercedes for such a role have allegedly taken place.

"It would be good to get next year sorted before the final race in Abu Dhabi," he said.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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