F1 star Daniel Ricciardo makes raw confession about his biggest mistake during time with Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted a selfish attitude was his undoing during his first stint with Red Bull as he endures his first year without an F1 drive since 2010.

The Perth-born star , 33, shocked F1 fans when he defected to Renault in 2018 – and when reflecting on the move believes he had a sense of entitlement when on the books of Red Bull across four seasons.

‘Looking back at 2018 … it was all about me, me, me,’ Ricciardo told the Athletic.

‘At times, I reacted a little too selfishly to a bad weekend.

‘Now, I’m back with the [Red Bull] team, but I’d say it’s a very selfless role. I’ve got no hidden agenda. 

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted a selfish attitude was his undoing during his first stint with Red Bull between 2014 and 2018

Ricciardo in happier times with Red Bull after winning the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix back in 2018 – one of the top highlights of his career

‘I’m trying to build myself back up.’

Ricciardo then moved to McLaren in 2020 – and the results were grim.

He admitted to being ‘humbled’ by the lack of success he experienced with the famous team as a shocking run of poor form saw his F1 contract ended a year early.

He was sensationally replaced by fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri, leaving the fan favourite in the wilderness.

After pondering his future, he elected to be a reserve driver for Red Bull – and is now adamant his desire to succeed has returned – as well as a better attitude.

‘I soon realised that OK, I’m not perfect,’ Ricciardo added.

‘If I was to get back on the grid, of course the hunger would be filled to the top.

‘But it wouldn’t be coming from a place where my ego or pride is getting in the way.

‘It’s accepting that it’s not always going to be perfect. It’s just a reality of life.’

Ricciardo also stated while he isn’t fully committed to a comeback, the feeling is ‘brewing’ each day.