Hamilton’s Experience Could Play Key Role in Beating Verstappen: Ricciardo

The ultimate goal of every F1 driver is to win the world championship one day. So, when you ask them who they think will win the title, most drivers name themselves. However, Daniel Ricciardo isn’t quite like that. He believes that Lewis Hamilton is the favorite to win this year’s championship.

Hamilton currently leads the table with 94 points to his name, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in second. Now, as the fifth race of the championship takes us to Monaco, the Mercedes driver looks to extend his lead in the fight to win his record-breaking eighth world title.

Daniel Ricciardo has faith in Lewis Hamilton

Speaking to Autosport, the Australian said, “At this stage, you’d always, I guess, take experience. So if it was really down to the wire, then I think Lewis has showed some strong signs.”

“But then again, if there’s a gap, Max goes for it. That’s why obviously I respect Max a lot,” Ricciardo concluded.

Ricciardo still feels like “a beginner” at McLaren

Having joined the Woking-based outfit for the 2021 season, things have gotten to a slow start for the Honey Badger. Given that he’s driving a car he’s never driven before, Ricciardo is obviously experiencing F1 tracks in an entirely new way. So, he’s had to take things slow, working through problems like a rookie.

“It’s like being a beginner all over again, being tutored every corner!” laughed Ricciardo.

“Good job, do that better, okay, improve a bit more here.’ Obviously, the feedback I’m getting from the team is good and they’re obviously trying to get me into some good habits with this car and the characteristics.”

“So things like that, whether it’s braking or the way you get on throttle, it’s something unique and I guess I’m still having to be a little bit conscious about that and teach myself enough that it does become natural,” he concluded.

The 31-year-old will have his next race at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix in the forthcoming weekend. He will aim to have better results compared to previous races, and some crucial points for both, the drivers and the constructor’s championships.

What are your expectations from the Australian driver for the race? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Ricciardo Suspects “Mind Games” from Lewis Hamilton Towards Max Verstappen After Spanish GP Comments