Daniel Ricciardo enjoyed his first day at McLaren ahead of the 2021 Formula 1 season.
After a stellar 2020 campaign with Renault, the Australian will feature for midfield rivals McLaren in the upcoming season. He replaces Carlos Sainz, who has been signed by Ferrari and will join up with teammate Lando Norris.
Both Ricciardo and Sainz made their first appearance at the team’s headquarters. It gave Ricciardo a chance to get acquainted with his new surroundings by meeting personnel and completing a seat fit on his first visit to the factory.
Ricciardo did his reputation no disservice after finishing fifth in the drivers’ standings in 2020. He took two podium finishes in Germany and Italy. This went a long way in ensuring a fifth place finish for Renault in the constructors’ championship.
DR in the house. ?
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 3, 2021
? @danielricciardo pic.twitter.com/S0PrBr9lMr
It is fair to say that Ricciardo joins a team that is on the up. The British outfit sealed third position in last year’s constructors’ championship. This is the first time they have breached the top 3 since 2012.
Mercedes will provide power to McLaren this year, which will only add to the strength of the team. This also makes them the only team to switch its power unit supplier during the winter.
Ahead of the digital launch event slated for 15 February, the team was able to successfully assemble its MCL35M challenger last week.