Ricciardo begins 3-season cycle at McLaren

We are so used to hearing pilots being very evasive when it comes to discussing the details of their contract that we almost believed that Daniel Ricciardo was going to let out a flood when he was asked how many years the agreement which binds him to McLaren since this season. 

The Australian could have taken refuge behind the usual “multi-year deal” twist and quietly drowned the fish. “ I'm going to tell you because I have nothing to hide, I'm hired for 3 years ", he declared during a virtual press conference organized ahead of the launch of the Mercedes-powered MCL35M. 

If Ricciardo was asked about the duration of his McLaren contract, it echoed his recent statements in the Australian media. The Perth native said he feels in the best position of his career to challenge for the title in the near future. 

« We have time to get the machine going and achieve our goals, he said this Monday afternoon. I have the impression of joining a team launched on a positive dynamic. It is not only a question of results but also of stability at the level of the management team and the infrastructure in place. 

When I first spoke with McLaren a few years ago, during the 1 season, Andreas (Seidl, team principal) wasn't on the team yet, James Key (technical director) neither. The situation was not really settled. Not only were the performances not there but we had the feeling that the team was in the process of looking for itself. It now has a solid structure. I feel like I'm fitting into an existing puzzle. I no longer have to worry about putting the pieces together ». 

After 7 seasons spent with a V6 turbo hybrid Renault at the back of his car, the Australian admits his impatience when discovering the propellant Mercedes, the main novelty of Woking's new creation. 

« I can't wait to see what it looks like on the track., agreed Ricciardo. I can't wait to finally discover something new. It's hard to get an idea before you hit the trail, but the results speak for themselves. They were very successful. I expect to get my hands on a quality product naturally ». 

The Australian acknowledged there was no guarantee of success but concluded by saying he had “ the feeling that McLaren has prepared as well as possible for the aerodynamic upheaval to come in 2022. I am convinced that the next regulatory era will allow the cards to be reshuffled. Everything I've seen so far at McLaren is enough to excite me ». 

Ricciardo will make his debut behind the wheel of the MCL35M this Tuesday at Silverstone as part of a promotional filming day.