After triumphing on the track in Singapore with Lando Norris and extending their lead in the constructors’ championship, McLaren CEO Zak Brown experienced the emotional farewell of Daniel Ricciardo from Formula 1. The Australian driver had been part of McLaren for two Formula One seasons (2021 and 2022), bringing the English team back to victory after nine years. The last win dated back to 2012 with Jenson Button.
The bond between Zak Brown and Daniel Ricciardo has always remained strong, even though it was the American CEO who decided on Daniel Ricciardo’s departure, who has since found a seat at AlphaTauri. Yesterday, shortly after the official announcement, Zak Brown did not miss the chance to post a message of thanks on his social media.
“Your victory at Monza will forever be etched in McLaren’s history. It was one of the greatest moments of my life, and I have the tattoo to prove it. Best of luck on your next adventure, and I know you will crush whatever comes your way.”
Today, the Woking team paid tribute to Daniel Ricciardo with a track day. Zak Brown himself drove the MCL35M at Silverstone, the car with which Daniel won at Monza in 2021. Joining the CEO was IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward.
“It was a fantastic day trying out the McLaren with which Daniel brought us back to the top step,” said the boss in a post on his Instagram profile. “In my heart, I’m a driver, and it’s a privilege to drive a car that means so much to me. I’m also faster than Pato…who would have thought?”
This test was an unusual but certainly unique way to celebrate a great driver leaving the Formula 1 circus.
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