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SAO PAULO, BRAZIL: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 smiles before the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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SAO PAULO, BRAZIL: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 smiles before the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Ever since Daniel Ricciardo was confirmed to be switching to McLaren for the 2021 season, fans have been waiting eagerly to see the man from down under suit up and drive the papaya-colored car. These dreams have finally been realized thanks to McLaren’s social media team who put out a short video showing Daniel testing out his new machinery, the MCL35M.
Ricciardo was part of McLaren’s car launch two days ago. That was when fans got their first glimpse of the seven-time race winner in the blue and orange racing suit. Soon thereafter, Ricciardo put the new car to the test. The Australian gave a positive review of his first test with the Woking-based outfit. But knowing that fans would be hungry for more, McLaren uploaded a longer video showing Daniel’s test lap around Silverstone.
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The behind-the-scenes vibe gives fans a raw perspective of Ricciardo’s first test. Apart from his new helmet, fans are also treated to the glorious sound of the new Mercedes engine. And then there’s Ricciardo just being Ricciardo.
New team but same old Daniel Ricciardo
Much of the hype over Daniel joining McLaren revolved around his off-track antics. The man from down under is seen as the joker of the F1 grid. Moving to a new team, some may need time to adjust, but Ricciardo showcased that he is still in his element.
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Renault Sport F1 smiles at the livery launch of the Renault Sport Formula One Team RS20 during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Bryn Lennon – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
The ex-Red Bull star was at his nonchalant funny best. He made two statements in the video that immediately would bring a smile to fans’ faces. One was when he saw the drone to which he replied, “Wave to the drone, hi drone.” This immediately changed the vibe of the video that seemed serious to begin with.
The other funny statement he made was when he did the radio check. He could be heard asking, “Can you just confirm I’m Daniel, not Dan.”
This is only a teaser to what fans can expect from Ricciardo through the course of his time at the Woking-based outfit.
Nevertheless, the primary focus would obviously be racing. The Australian is fresh off a strong season with Renault where he won two podiums.
He’ll be tasked with leading McLaren to make the next step and become regular podium contenders.
Do you think he’ll win his eighth Grand Prix this season? Let us know in the comments.
