Red Bull’s Formula One season launch left a bit to be desired, as Daniel Ricciardo was called “Daniel Retardo” on live TV.
Red Bull revealed its 2023 car and new livery at an event in New York and it left fans underwhelmed as its new car appeared almost identical to the one that saw Max Verstappen win the drivers’ championship and Red Bull claim the constructors’ title in 2022.
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But arguably the worst part of the launch was an unfortunate gaffe from co-host Giselle Zarur, who mispronounced Ricciardo’s name when she was introducing him.
“Welcome one of the friendliest drivers in the F1 grid, Daniel Retardo, to Oracle Reb Bull Racing,” she said as Ricciardo stood next to her awkwardly.
The butchering of Ricciardo’s name didn’t go unnoticed by viewers, who couldn’t believe Zarur had slipped up so badly.
“Couldn’t believe this when I heard it live,” one person posted on Twitter.
Another added: “I can’t believe he didn’t even flinch.”
“What the hell is this presenter doing or saying?’ asked a fan.
“The announcer just called Danny Ric Daniel Retardo I can’t #RB19.”
Another said: “She really just called him Daniel Retardo….”
The Red Bull launch started off in better fashion, with hilarious footage of Ricciardo and Verstappen arriving to the event on tiny go-karts. But fans were frustrated the event dragged on for so long.
Verstappen, Sergio Perez and Ricciardo attended the launch, as the Australian gave more detail on what his reserve driver role might involve.
Ricciardo will share reserve driver duties with Kiwi youngster Liam Lawson, and told The Mirror he plans to attend around eight races this season, including the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
“I’ll be present, I think it’s around eight races, at the moment,” Ricciardo said.
“Australia, Melbourne will be my first one. That’s the first time you can see me in the flesh, in person, the real thing.
“Melbourne, Monaco – I’ll definitely be there, I still live there – the three American races, probably Montreal as well.
“Silverstone, I know that one. So there’s a few that I’ll be at, but Melbourne is the number one for me.”
The 33-year-old said he will be spending plenty of time on the simulator and may get behind the wheel of Red Bull’s F1 car for some practice, but added he is looking forward to taking a step back from the physical and mental demands of a 23-race calendar.
Ricciardo was sacked by McLaren with a year remaining in contract and was replaced by 21-year-old Australian Oscar Piastri.
The new F1 season gets underway in a month at the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 6.
