McLaren F1 will have a new driver line-up this season, with Daniel Ricciardo joining the team to partner Lando Norris.
While both Ricciardo and Norris are light-hearted characters, former F1 driver David Coulthard doesn’t believe they will be jovial throughout the course of the season.
Coulthard said that Ricciardo’s experience will make him tough competition for Norris and that the British driver needs to be wary of this.
“This is a great test for Lando,” he said.
“In Carlos he had a quick teammate but also one that was pretty easy going and part of knowing your competitors is knowing your teammate.
“And with Daniel, he’s easy-going off track but he is pretty ruthless on track and has that racer’s heart and edge, which we saw come out when he was alongside Max and Seb.
“It will be a difficult time for Lando.”
Ricciardo had a fine season with Renault and will be optimistic about his chances in what will be a faster car.
Ricciardo managed two podium finishes last year when no one really believed he would be good for even one.
With seven race wins and 31 podium finishes in his Formula 1 career, he is definitely one of the better and more experienced drivers on the grid.
This season, most pundits have claimed that Ricciardo will outdo Norris rather comfortably, but Coulthard feels it doesn’t have to work out that way.
Coulthard has urged Norris to ditch his ‘good natured’ attitude on track.
“It’s also a great opportunity for him to step up and show he can get his elbows out.”
This teammate battle could very well prove to be one of the most interesting battles this season.
Do you believe Norris can spring a surprise or two on Ricciardo as the season pans out?
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