Norris’ F1 Form Giving Me Deja Vu of Verstappen, Admits Ricciardo

When Daniel Ricciardo joined McLaren this season, many expected him to outperform his teammate Lando Norris. Although the Briton had two impressive seasons with McLaren, Ricciardo came not just with multiple podiums, but also race-winning pedigree.

However, Norris hasn’t just outperformed Ricciardo, but the MCL35M car itself. Ahead of the British Grand Prix, Ricciardo believes Norris is doing the same thing he did at Red Bull.

Daniel Ricciardo believes Lando Norris is replicating his “third year” form in 2021

The Briton is currently fourth in the driver’s championship with an impressive 101 points. While he remains the only driver to score points in all nine races so far, Norris has three podium finishes as well. In fact, he trails Red Bull‘s Sergio Perez in third by just three points in the driver’s championship.

Although this is just his third season in F1, Norris is carrying McLaren‘s challenge for third place in the constructor’s championship. While Ricciardo struggles in his new team, he admitted his British teammate is going through the third-year effect.

He said, “I came in and he showed that he’s got skill and talent, I do think as well this year he’s made that third-year step. I did it at Red Bull, I think Max did it as well, kind of cleaned up some of his mistakes in year three and then really rose to his potential, and I think Lando is doing that now.”

Ricciardo faced a similar journey at Red Bull. Although his second season with them in 2015 yielded just 92 points, the Australian stormed to third place in the driver’s championship in 2016. That year, he took a race win and seven podiums to amass 256 points.

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Ricciardo: Just have to tip my hat

The Australian admitted all he can do is appreciate his teammate while learning from his strengths. He said, “So I for now just have to tip my hat, acknowledge that he is driving very well, gelling very well with the team, and just try to use that to benefit me moving forward.

“Learn from him where he is doing things better, use those things to ultimately make me a better driver.”

Although the Honey Badger just has 40 points so far, he returns to the track where he made his F1 debut 10 years ago. Ricciardo will look to bring joy to his team at their home race in Silverstone on July 18, while Norris hopes he can continue his scoring streak.

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