F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo enjoys 'smooth' shakedown onboard MCL35M

Daniel Riccardo took over from Lando Norris on Tuesday afternoon at Silverstone as the Aussie sampled McLaren's new MCL35M during the team's filming day at the British track.

Both drivers were forced to contend with predictably wet conditions as they conducted a thorough systems check of their new mount during their respective runs.

But Ricciardo had no particular complaints at the end of a smooth first spin onboard McLaren's 2021 contender, save for feeling a bit rusty.

"It feels longer than two months! It always takes a little while to get the cobwebs out. I think, in these greasy conditions, they don’t fill you with confidence after it’s been a while since you’ve been in a car!” Ricciardo said.

"But, it’s nice. Everything’s ran really smooth, we completed what we had to and that’s all you can ask for. The more laps I turn, the more confidence and comfort I’ll feel with this team."

Ricciardo highlighted the orderly ramp up targeted by the team ahead of pre-season testing which will kick off on march 12.

"Every little bit helps getting up to speed," he said. "Going through all the procedures.

"The plan and target is to get to Bahrain Sunday afternoon, be on the grid, and for there to be not an inch of panic. It’s really about feeling comfortable and familiar with all the crew.

"We’re trying to go through scenarios we’d face on a race weekend. We don’t have the atmosphere around us but we can try to replicate it and put a bit of pressure on ourselves."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

1 hour ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

3 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

4 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

5 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

6 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

7 hours ago