Despite an Ugly Spat With McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo Picks Lando Norris Among His Three Faithful Confidantes

Formula 1 is a brutally individualistic sport forcing everyone, especially drivers, to only keep their best interest at heart. This is the reason most drivers don’t make friends during their time on the grid as they’re constantly looking over their shoulder. It is only after they retire that they truly let their guard down to enjoy the company of their fellow drivers. However, there is always an exception to the rule and Daniel Ricciardo is that exception. Even during the worst period of his career, Ricciardo maintained a wide smile on his face and made a friend in Lando Norris. In fact, Norris is a friend for life and someone he will count on under dire circumstances.

How can we be certain? Well, Ricciardo himself proved that with his recent confession. Red Bull’s third diver often takes on fan engagement duties during his sabbatical. While Ricciardo was answering another set of questions, as seen on Twitter, the Australian revealed his three faithful confidants.

When asked, “Which three drivers will you take with you on a stranded island?” Ricciardo replied, “Three F1 drivers, alright! Max, Lando, and Pierre Gasly (in his iconic singing manner). I just wanted to say his name, but I like Pierre.”

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Apart from the two, there was no surprise in anyone’s mind Norris’s name will pop up. In fact, the feeling’s mutual, as Norris confessed he misses Ricciardo during an interview. The two McLaren men got along extremely well and Ricciardo still holds him close, despite Norris being a reminder of his ugly past. Although, we cannot credit Ricciardo alone for this healthy relationship.

Despite the happy-go-lucky nature of Daniel Ricciardo, Lando Norris is credited for keeping harmony at McLaren

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind Ricciardo is one of the funniest and nicest drivers on the grid. However, the Australian isn’t the only one responsible for maintaining healthy relationships, especially at McLaren.

Norris has partnered with three different drivers at McLaren so far. And so far, he has maintained a healthy relationship with all of them. According to TP Andrea Stella, that’s all because of Norri’s unique ability.

He said, “Let me add that with Lando, that’s not difficult because even though Oscar, Daniel, Carlos, they’re phenomenal people, phenomenal individual, they all went along very well with Lando and I can see why. Lando’s characteristics at personal and human levels, his values, are unique.”

WATCH THIS STORY: How Lando Norris Had a Chance to Go to Red Bull But Instead Chose McLaren

The Brit has stuck to the Woking outfit ever since his debut. He recently was rewarded for it at Silverstone. Let’s hope in the stress world of F1, Norris doesn’t lose his unique quality.