Braking will be Ricciardo’s main challenge at McLaren
It's time for the Formula 1 drivers to draw their conclusions following this year's winter tests in Bahrain. Daniel Ricciardo is delighted with the MCL35M, although he is aware that he still needs to adapt his driving.
After the tests carried out on board the new McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo feels confident! The Australian driver placed himself at the top of the timesheets at the Saturday and Sunday lunch break in Bahrain. While he is delighted with the test results, he believes (naturally) that the car can still be pushed to its limit.
Known for his spectacular overtakings, Ricciardo is a big fan of late braking. A driving style that the #3 driver adapted in 2019 during his switch from Red Bull to Renault. It will certainly be different once again. When moving from Red Bull to Renault, braking was the main maneuver I had to adjust, claimed the Australian driver in Sakhir.
This phase of adaptation is not only due to his change of team but also to the aerodynamic innovations integrated in the 2021 season. These changes, although minor, have impacted the handling of the cars, with a few spins on the Sakhir track, including that of Lewis Hamilton on board his Mercedes on Saturday morning.
Questioned about his intention to abandon his late braking, Ricciardo is already reassuring his fans. It’s just a mechanical feeling… new pedals, a new positioning… once in the rhythm, you will see beautiful overtakes from me again. This means that “Dan the Man” will soon be back to put on a show!
Once in the rhythm, you will see some nice overtaking from me again! Daniel Ricciardo
