Daniel Ricciardo Disagrees With Lando Norris Over Progress of McLaren F1

Daniel Ricciardo signed for McLaren for the upcoming season, and will drive Mercedes-power cars this year. His new teammate, Lando Norris, has expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s new power unit partnership. However, Ricciardo disagrees with Norris and is happy with the progress they have made so far.

The Woking-based outfit finished third in the constructor’s championship last year. The team has brought in a seven-time Grand Prix winner in the form of Daniel and hope that the new power unit will help them fight for the title in 2021.

Both Daniel & Lando have given their opinions on what they think of McLaren’s new contender for the season. Ricciardo also revealed his aims for his debut season with McLaren.

Daniel Ricciardo gets in sync with the McLaren

The Honey Badger had three days in Bahrain to get used to the MCL35M and had positive after the testing. He said, “As a team, we made the most of pre-season testing with some smooth running. It was great to get to grips with the MCL35M in just the few days that we had to put it through its paces.”

Ricciardo added, “I think, naturally, it takes a bit of time to adjust to a new car, but I’m feeling prepared to hit the track come Friday.

“This season looks like it’s going to be a competitive one, but I’m looking to hit the ground running, leave nothing on the table, give it my all for the team and hopefully give the fans something to smile about.

His new teammate Lando Norris, however, isn’t quite sure of the Mercedes power unit. In an interview with Sky Sports as quoted by RacingNews365, he said, “A lot of people expect a lot differences but there isn’t that much. We had to use a lot of our tokens just to put the Mercedes engine in the back of the car so yeah, not ideal.”

The Australian will take some lessons from his new teammate

Ricciardo left Renault at end of the 2020 season, he will drive from McLaren in the upcoming season. Ricciardo will partner with Norris in his first season with the Woking-based outfit.

The 31-year-old is excited to learn from is younger teammate as he begins a new chapter on the grid. He said, “It’s funny. I’m certainly the more experienced in terms of F1, this being my 11th season, but in terms of McLaren, Lando is the more experienced.”

Ricciardo added, “For sure, there are some things I can learn from him, particularly within the team itself, the integration into the McLaren family. Every time you have a new team-mate, it’s a real opportunity to learn something new, like work ethic or a driving technique, or both.”

McLaren did have a successful season last year on the grid as they finished 3rd in the championship. They remain in a positive mood as they have two talented drivers behind the wheel and hope they can push for the title.

Also Read: F1 Pundit Believes Daniel Ricciardo Has a Mercedes/Red Bull Exit Clause in McLaren Contract