Ricciardo explains how he negotiated McLaren deal as McLaren show off the MCL35M

Speaking with Sky Sports' Natalie Pinkham, Ricciardo illustrated the circumstances in which he negotiated his contract with McLaren in 2020, in the alienating times of the coronavirus pandemic.

“2020 was weird, in general. But I was out on the farm, and wifi was limited, and let alone phone signal, And here I am trying to figure out my future and make a deal in these circumstances. I had Blake there, and mom and dad at times, and my trainer Michael, but if I kind of got sick of them the person I was leaning on for advice was either a sheep or cattle.”

Ricciardo continued: “It was unique, but I think it also gave me the clarity I needed, just being out in the middle of nowhere. Every time you do a contract it’s a big decision, it was just nice to be in that environment and make the decision in those circumstances.”

Mutual feeling

Ricciardo admitted he is excited by the prospect of wearing the team's colours this season and expressed how impressed he has been with McLaren over the last few years.

"It’s been a while, of course, but at least in my mind but now to be here wearing the colours, it feels real, and I was very impressed with what the team had done, particularly the last couple of years. I felt like I wanted to be a part of it and fortunately, the feeling was mutual.”