Ricciardo gives advice to Piastri: 'It's a big opportunity'

Daniel Ricciardo lost his place at McLaren to his compatriot Oscar Piastri. However, it does not mean Ricciardo does not support the talented driver, he revealed in conversation with Wide World of Sports. Indeed, according to the Australian, his successor has a lot to offer.

Piastri is expected to be given time next season to get used to the level of Formula 1. At the same time, the British formation is very ambitious and, with Lando Norris, he has a teammate who achieved a good level in recent years.

Ricciardo thinks it is especially important to give Piastri time. "I don't know the truth of how he's going to go – but I also don't want to add any more pressure on him," he states. "It's really just on him to get involved in the sport, build himself up, learn, progress, and also just enjoy it."

Red Bull Racing's reserve driver hopes Piastri will be especially grateful for the opportunity he has been given in the motorsport class. After all, according to Ricciardo, getting the opportunity to prove yourself at the highest level is not something you can take for granted.

"It's a big, big opportunity. There haven't been many Australians to get this far before, so ultimately, he needs to find that part of it as well where he can just enjoy it," Ricciardo said. "Obviously, I wish him well, but I really can't predict or say, 'Oh, he'll do this or that'. We'll wait and see but I hope he finds himself having fun and has a smooth first season."