'Thick boned' Ricciardo found new McLaren a tight squeeze

©McLaren

Daniel Ricciardo says he struggled to nestle his "wide hips" inside McLaren's new car during his initial seat fitting, putting him on the limit of the MCL35M's cockpit dimensions.

F1 teams' quest for optimal aerodynamics over the years has led to slimmer cockpits that have proven to be a tight or downright uncomfortable fit for taller drivers or those like Ricciardo with larger hips.

The Aussie's first seat fitting with McLaren highlighted the comfort issue he had often encountered at Red Bull, although subsequent adjustments allowed for a tight but acceptable fit.

©McLaren

"I do have wide hips - I guess. I'm pretty thick boned," said Ricciardo as he explained his first fitting.

"But I got in, so it was kind of the first mock up of the seat. And with the dimensions that they had, they kind of assumed what would be okay for me. But it wasn't quite okay.

"Fortunately, it was just the seat and it wasn't the actual keel itself that is too narrow. Since then, I have been able to get in a seat and I do fit."

Read also: Ride along with Ricciardo in the MCL35M!

It's a tight squeeze however for the Honey Badger whose ability to drive would have likely been compromised by anything more compressed.

"I feel like I'm certainly the limit," he added. "I think the way they design the cars and the chassis now, everything's trying to be as tight and compact as possible.

"Really my hips are sometimes the limiting factor. So, I just tell them, 'just make sure I'm comfortable, and if you think that loses you a tenth of aerodynamics, then I'll just drive faster on track!"

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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.