Daniel Ricciardo Confirms McLaren F1 “Resurgence Is Happening”

Daniel Ricciardo will join McLaren for the 2021 season pairing up with Lando Norris while doing so. He has signed a multi-year contract with them. The Australian will join a team that is looking very upwardly mobile and a factory that is buzzing.

During his time in Renault, he helped the team to two consecutive fifth-place finishes. He also helped them get two podium positions in 2020, which were Renault’s first podiums since 2011.

McLaren has also had a very encouraging two-year period. They finished fourth in 2019 and third in 2020. They did this while using Renault’s engine for two years.

This would have sold Ricciardo on joining them as it shows that they are able to extract the most out of the engines they’re supplied. They will be switching to Mercedes power units from the 2021 season.

The energy in the factory is amazing according to Daniel Ricciardo

Ricciardo, in an interview, believes the McLaren factory is super excited. He said, “Being in the McLaren factory these past couple of weeks, meeting the mechanics and the engineers, there’s a huge buzz.”

The Aussie thinks the team is hungry for more success. He said, “There’s a feeling of a hungry team that has gone through some tough times, but the resurgence is happening, it’s real, and they know that success could be in the short-term future. I felt that from the first day I walked through the door.”

The 31-year-old believes he and McLaren are a great fit stylistically. He said, “The feeling that I can help them achieve that success sooner is all the motivation I need. Finishing third in the constructors’ championship was big last year, and they have a bit of swag about them, which I really like. They want more, they’re ready to make that next leap, and it seems realistic. It’s exciting to be a part of that.”

The Aussie’s expectations for 2021

McLaren have signed a driver who’s been rather unlucky to never be in contention for a title. The highest Ricciardo’s finished in the Driver’s Championship has been third in 2014 and 2016.

The seven-time race winner has shown a great hunger to fight while racing. He has been referred to as the honey badger because of his ability to be chill off the track and intense on it.

His chemistry with Norris will be a great watch for F1 fans everywhere. McLaren have signed a driver who will give it his all and will be very hungry to get his maiden World Championship with them.