Lando Norris has expressed admiration for Daniel Ricciardo’s mentality, crediting it with helping him become a better driver. Norris spent two years alongside the eight-time race winner at McLaren, and while it may not have been the most successful period in Ricciardo’s career, it had a lasting impact on Norris.
Partnering with Ricciardo marked the first time Norris shared the paddock with a race winner and someone as positive and upbeat as the Australian. Norris emphasized that Ricciardo’s experience and mindset were crucial in his personal and professional development.
“The experience and mentality Daniel brought to the team were always crucial in helping me become a better person and a better driver,” Norris stated during the media session following the Monaco Grand Prix.
Norris greatly admired how Ricciardo dealt with challenging times, noting that he was skilled at hiding any difficulties or managing them effectively. Norris acknowledged that if he were in a similar position, he might not be able to look back and maintain the same level of happiness as Ricciardo has achieved in the past.
Therefore, Norris aims to emulate Ricciardo’s approach and positivity when facing tough times in his own career.
Since their time together at McLaren, Ricciardo has moved on to join his former team, Red Bull, in a third driver role. He sees this as an opportunity to “flush out a difficult two years” and plot his path back to a full-time seat. Ricciardo feels refreshed and is eager to continue learning and growing with the team.
As for Norris, questions loom over his future at McLaren as the team continues to strive for a return to form. So far in the 2023 season, his best finishing position was sixth place in Australia. With his McLaren contract set to expire in 2025, there is speculation about whether he may explore opportunities with other teams.
Given Norris’s exceptional talent, there is no shortage of suitors. Red Bull, Ferrari, Mercedes, and Audi have all been linked to the 23-year-old British driver, making him an attractive prospect for top-tier teams in Formula 1.
