Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris have become one of F1’s favorite pairings this season. Now, the two are seen laughing and have developed a visible bond in interviewers. However, it wasn’t always like this. Fans expected the two to hit off immediately, which didn’t happen; but everyone noticed a switch in Monza, Daniel Ricciardo as well.

Daniel Ricciardo sat down with HypeBeast and once again basked in the glory of Monza. The 1-2 finish would be incomplete without Norris; a result, Ricciardo revealed, that brought them closer. “I do think Monza was good for our relationship as teammates and respectful competitors. There was some genuine happiness and respect between the both of us and it was so cool to both be on the podium.”

However, Ricciardo explains that being best friends with the Brit isn’t the important part. “We don’t need to be best friends but we got along well, and we were so happy for the team. That was the ultimate reward. We’re personally happy to be there, but to know that the team earned this 1-2 and it was a combined effort from everyone.”

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While the two have been notoriously friendly earlier, the chemistry wasn’t there when sharing a garage. Daniel is known for being best mates with Max Verstappen and Lando Norris with Carlos Sainz. Although fans didn’t expect the same energy between the duo, it was confusing why the two jokers of the paddock didn’t get along. All it took was a shoey.

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While his relationship with Lando has finally solidified, what was more important for the Aussie was his disconnect from the car. The first stint of the season didn’t reflect Ricciardo’s abilities as a driver. What everyone pinned down as a problem adjusting to the car went on for too long. However, after the summer break, the Honey Badger had conquered his McLaren machine.

Ricciardo explained his journey adjusting to the team. “Naturally, adapting to a new team is always tricky. There’s always the challenge of personally trying to get used to the car, and trying to get used to the team and people around me.”

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Digging deeper, Ricciardo explains how he played a role in the disconnect as well. “You’ve really got to build a relationship quite quickly and it’s not as extreme as an arranged marriage, but you’ve just got to get to it. I also think that some of the challenge is the pressure I’ve put on myself, coming into this team and having an expectation of what I think I’m capable of doing.”

As of now, Ricciardo is good with Lando and he’s even better with the car. As Ferrari picks up their pace heading to the final five rounds of the season, The Aussie will have to combine the two in the constructor’s fight for P3. In the last run to the finish line, will Ricciardo pull through for his team again?

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