Former McLaren F1 Driver Makes a Grim Prediction for Lando Norris Amid Daniel Ricciardo Partnership

McLaren F1 will be one of the teams sporting a new driver lineup this season. Their driver duo of Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo are expected to serve up a lot of fun, be it on the track or off it. However, former F1 driver David Coulthard doesn’t believe it will be all fun and games between the two.

With Ricciardo being one of the most experienced as well as talented drivers on the grid, Coulthard believes it won’t be an easy task for Norris to go up against his new teammate.

He said, “This is a great test for Lando.

“In Carlos he had a quick team-mate but also one that was pretty easy going and part of knowing your competitors is knowing your team-mate.

“And with Daniel, he’s easy-going off track but he is pretty ruthless on track and has that racer’s heart and edge, which we saw come out when he was alongside Max and Seb.

“It will be a difficult time for Lando.”

Ricciardo is also coming off the back of a solid season with Renault. In a competitive mid-field battle last year, no one really gave Renault a chance to be on the podium. But the man from down under defied the odds, not once but twice.

He has also has seven race wins and 31 podiums under his belt and has also beaten the likes of Vettel and Verstappen, just as Coulthard alluded to. Daniel also spoke positively about his pre-season tests. Thus, Norris will need to be at his absolute best if he wants to outrace the Australian.

Coulthard still has faith in Lando Norris

Despite the odds being stacked against the young British driver, David expects Lando to ditch his ‘good natured’ attitude on track. He expects the McLaren man to show Daniel that he is no pushover.

Coulthard said, “It’s also a great opportunity for him to step up and show he can get his elbows out.”

This teammate battle is certainly one to look out for. It may perhaps be one of the most entertaining storylines this season. However, the duo may have to perform more as a team than individuals since they’ll be locked in a four-team mid-field fight.

Can the new driver pairing of the Woking-based outfit continue to push the team on its upward trajectory? Only time will tell.

Also: WATCH: Lando Norris and Zak Brown Troll Sainz Over His Embarrassing McLaren Fail