Former F1 driver David Coulthard believes Lando Norris is set for a "difficult time" this year with new McLaren teammate Daniel Ricciardo, but insists the challenge facing the young gun is also an opportunity.
Ricciardo has moved to McLaren after two years with Renault and with the ambition of eventually returning along with his new team to the top step of the podium.
The Aussie replaces Norris' former side-kick Carlos Sainz, now with Ferrari. Williams' George Russell recently said that his "incredibly fast" good friend Norris will give Ricciardo more than a run for his money at McLaren, but Coulthard suggests the 21-year-old will be facing an important test this season.
©McLaren
"This is a great test for Lando," the Channel 4 commentator told The Sun.
"In Carlos he had a quick team-mate but also one that was pretty easy going and part of knowing your competitors is knowing your team-mate.
"And with Daniel, he's easy-going off track but he is pretty ruthless on track and has that racer's heart and edge, which we saw come out when he was alongside Max and Seb.
"It will be a difficult time for Lando. But it’s also a great opportunity for him to step up and show he can get his elbows out."
Last week, ahead of pre-season testing, Norris commented on his potential rivalry with Ricciardo, insisting he was expecting a "fierce" opposition from the latter, but admitting he was up for the challenge and "excited" to do battle.
"I think it will be a fierce battle between us," he said. "I’m excited for the team-mate rivalry we’ll have, which will obviously be a good one, but he’s still a guy I can learn from.
"That won’t change race results or how we both go racing. We are both still learning every day and improving our driving and that’s what I’m excited for."
Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Max Verstappen’s path to victory at Sepng was nearly derailed before he could even complete…
The 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia finally got under way after a lengthy delay,…
Full race results from the Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang, Malaysia, round 16 of the…
Torrential downpours and lightning strikes around the Sepang International Circuit have forced race officials to…
Just a month after Lotus had suffered the tragic loss of Jochen Rindt at Monza,…
Sepang’s return to the Formula 1 calendar brings one of the most complete physical and…