Daniel Ricciardo is having a tough time at Mclaren. The Aussie is a marquee signing for Mclaren, signed on big money from Renault. But Lando Norris has outperformed him so far in races and in qualifying this season. The results of the two drivers are reflected in the current standings.

Ricciardo has complained of not feeling one with the car; he has clearly been struggling with confidence in his Mclaren. After finishing 12th in Monaco, Ricciardo accepted he needs to work more with the team to figure out the issues. He did simulator work before Baku and finished the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in points.

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According to motorsport-total.com, Daniel took a conscious decision to step back and do some simulator work. He spent a good few days in the simulator, which has clearly helped.

“I was just trying to understand what was going on and how the car was working, what it took to make it work well,” explains Ricciardo. “I don’t want to say that we started from scratch because we definitely learned something in the first few races. It was more about trying out new things with a completely open mind.”

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When asked if he has questioned himself in these tough times he was open about it saying, “Formula 1 is complex. Once you’re trapped in a hole, it’s very difficult to get yourself out of it. Based on my experience in Formula 1, I’m pretty well aware of that.

“However, on the Monday after the race [in Baku] I was back on track. And that led to the productive days [in the simulator] in Woking.”

But the Australian is not yet self-doubting and seemed upbeat about his progress.

“But I also know: As soon as it clicks, everything will be fine. Then people jump back on the Ricciardo train. If you jumped off, no problem, the train continues. And tickets are still being sold, so it’s okay. And I let people get on again,” said Daniel. (Quotes translated from German using Google)

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Can Daniel Ricciardo overcome his problems and beat Norris in 2021?

The current situation at Mclaren may look grim for the exuberant Australian, but he is a proven race winner in F1. He has the potential to overcome difficulties at the Woking outfit and perform at the highest level.

The good thing for Ricciardo is that the 2021 season is long, with 23 races. He has 26 points from 6 races and trails Norris by 40 points which he could cover with a string of excellent results. Things are looking on the up for Daniel as F1 goes into triple-header race weekends which will give him the required time and momentum in his car.

Can Daniel get back to his best in 2021? Comment below to let us know.