Amid constant criticism for his lack of performance at McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo appeared in Monaco with the acronym FEA (Fuck 'Em All) on his helmet, but he tried to clarify that it was not an indirect answer to anyone
Quite contested in the 2022 Formula 1 season, mainly by the difference in performance when compared to teammate Lando Norris, Daniel Ricciardo wore in Monaco a helmet with a somewhat unusual message: the acronym FEA, which in English is an acronym used for the expression Fuck 'Em All. However, the Australian assured that it was not an indirect or specific message to anyone.
Ricciardo explained that this is not the first time he has used the acronym on his helmet, saying that it is something that, for him, works as a form of motivation. "I put it on my helmet in 2018 as well," recounted the owner of car #3, when at the time he was still defending Red Bull.
"I like to use acronyms to motivate myself. Honestly, it's not directed at anyone, I've been saying it for a few years, and it kind of makes me happy," continued the 32-year-old driver, who believes that the act of putting on the helmet is quite significant for "pushing the button."
"It's one of the last things I see when I put the helmet on," he continued about the message engraved on the back of the shell. "It tells me it's time to focus and get on the field," he stressed.
In Monaco, the final result was not much different from what has been seen throughout the stages contested so far. Ricciardo crashed in free practice, lining up only 14th and finishing one position ahead of the original grid position.
"It was a tough weekend, and unfortunately I'm already experienced in that - I've had a few like that in the last 12 months, so I feel I can handle them better," Ricciardo admitted. "I'll keep smiling, at least try, but deep down I'm disappointed," he added.
"But still, it's not just me, the team also wants to see me with better results. I don't want to be 14th, and the team doesn't want to see me there either. I don't think things will change overnight, but I have to keep going, and for sure we can improve together," finished the Australian.
Right after the Spanish GP, McLaren CEO Zak Brown harshly criticized Ricciardo, stating that he was not feeling comfortable with the car. The driver's response was to remind that he had a contract until the end of 2023, but Brown, who had said that the Australian was not living up to the expectations of the Woking team, made it clear that Ricciardo's contract has mechanisms that allowed for a termination.