Ricciardo: No 'comedy show' with Lando at McLaren

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Daniel Ricciardo is all for maintaining an entertaining atmosphere with Lando Norris at McLaren, but the Aussie made clear that there will be no "comedy show" at the papaya squad.

The friendly rapport that governed the relationship in the past two seasons between Norris and former teammate Carlos Sainz instilled a bouncy and cheerful mood at McLaren.

Ricciardo's equally ebullient and warm personality is expected to blend in nicely at Woking, where it is anticipated that the Aussie will take over Sainz's role as the conniving and joking cohort.

But Ricciardo insists his move to McLaren is first and foremost about "business" rather than forming a "meme power couple" with his facetious teammate.

"It's something I want to reiterate to everyone watching, and every fan of McLaren in particular," Ricciardo told Sky Sports News' Craig Slater.

"It's not going to be a comedy show. I'm going there for business, I'm going there to improve the car.

"My personality won't change so I think I do enjoy doing what I do... but I'm certainly not going there to be this meme power couple or whatever it's described as these days!"

Read also: McLaren says 'great guy' Ricciardo will fill Sainz gap

Ricciardo, a seven-time Grand Prix winner, takes on a new challenge with McLaren this season after a two-year stint with Renault.

While his residency with the French fell short of his initial expectations, Ricciardo says he left the Enstone squad with a sense of fulfilment, a sentiment no doubt helped by the pair of podiums he scored in 2020, at the Nürburgring and at Imola.

"I can honestly leave here feeling fulfilled," Ricciardo said at the end last year's campaign.

"I think importantly for myself feeling like I contributed something back into this team.

"Really it was the podiums, and just to see the joy not only on my face but also on the team's face. It had been so long."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.