WATCH: Throwback to Daniel Ricciardo's "I never left" victory of 2021 Italian Grand Prix

Amid the ongoing speculations over Daniel Ricciardo's future in Formula 1 let us take you back to his iconic ‘I never left’ win at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. The win marked one of the most significant comebacks in recent Formula 1 history. After enduring a challenging season with McLaren, the Australian driver proved he still had what it took to dominate the field.

After his emotional win, Ricciardo’s signature charisma shone through. Speaking on the team radio during his cool-down lap, he delivered the now-iconic line: "For anyone who thought I had left, I never left. Just moved aside for a while." It was a message to his critics and fans alike — a statement that despite his recent struggles, Ricciardo had never truly lost his edge.

Ricciardo’s victory at Monza not only ended his three-year winless streak but also delivered McLaren’s first win since 2012. The race itself was a masterclass in precision driving. Starting from second on the grid after Valtteri Bottas had to begin from the back due to an engine change, Ricciardo quickly seized the opportunity.

He overtook Max Verstappen, the pole-sitter, from the very start and led the race with unwavering control. Meanwhile, his 21-year-old teammate Norris, who had outshined Ricciardo throughout much of the season, trailed in second, ensuring a McLaren one-two finish — their first since 2010.

Max Verstappen collides with Lewis Hamilton

But the drama wasn’t confined to Ricciardo and Norris. The battle between championship contenders Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton took a shocking turn when the two clashed on lap 26, crashing out of the race after tangling at turn one. It was a significant moment that allowed Ricciardo to extend his lead, while the chaotic situation only added to the magnitude of McLaren's achievement that day.

Despite Norris’ request over the radio to take the lead as he felt Ricciardo wasn't quick enough, the veteran responded by pushing his McLaren to its limits. He not only maintained the lead but set the fastest lap of the race, silencing any doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. Ricciardo crossed the finish line in first place, with Norris securing second, followed by Bottas in third after Sergio Perez’s five-second penalty dropped him to fourth.