Daniel Ricciardo has signed up with McLaren for a three-year contract to get the team on top of the table, especially with Lewis Hamilton in mind.
In a recent interview, he spoke about Hamilton’s consistency and how some drivers can beat him on the grid.
There are many critics who raise the question whether Hamilton in his Mercedes can be beaten or not. But Ricciardo believes that George Russell’s one-weekend stand with Mercedes can provide clues in answering that question.
Just last weekend, George Russell replaced Hamilton for the Sakhir Grand Prix and impressed everyone with his driving skills. He also managed to almost beat Valtteri Bottas.
“To answer it diplomatically, I think Lewis isn’t the only one that could win races in that car. That’s obviously my opinion and I think that George Russell, in a way, showed the possibility of that by pretty much beating Valtteri [Bottas] in his first race.
“So you could argue that just maybe Lewis doesn’t have the strongest competition.”
Ricciardo is currently 31 years old and his contract with McLaren will age him to 33. It is not uncommon for drivers to take a break from the sport.
The Australian explained that he will not be taking a gap but stated, “when I do say I’m done, I think I’ll be done.”
While talking about his plans for post-Formula 1 life, he added, “I mean, it might call me back to do something at some point… but I just see myself just going on a massive road trip and doing something really, still adventurous, but in a different way, you know, not on a schedule”
Ricciardo hopes to become a champion contender especially after the new technical regulations are acted out next season. Do you think he will manage to come out on the top? Let us know in the comments below!
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