F1 News
McLaren team boss continues to defend Ricciardo: 'I'm not worried'
- GPblog.com
After Daniel Ricciardo was beaten by his young teammate Lando Norris in 2021, he would've hoped for things to improve this year, but they aren't any easier for Australian in 2022 either. He did manage to grab his first points of the season in Australia, although he finished behind Norris again. Team boss Andreas Seidl is not worried though.
Difficult start for Ricciardo
A positive coronavirus test provided the first setback for Ricciardo in the run-up to the season. The Australian only just recovered in time for the start of the season in Bahrain, but it was obviously not an optimal preparation. In addition, it appeared that McLaren were seriously short of speed on teams like Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Mercedes. Norris' fifth place in Australia is the team's best result to date.
Seidl was very satisfied with two drivers in the points in Australia and also believes that Ricciardo does not need to make any additional steps. According to the German team boss, Ricciardo has already taken the necessary step after his difficult start at McLaren following his win at Monza. "It was just important to continue working on the basis that was built up this winter," said Seidl at FormulaPassion.it.
McLaren wants two strong drivers
During the opening race in Bahrain, Ricciardo was still suffering from the after-effects of his coronavirus infection, but according to Seidl he was already back to his old level in Saudi Arabia. "There is no reason for concern. For me it's important to have two strong drivers for the battle we're having in the Constructors' Championship, and we have them."