Ricciardo aims for a podium: "McLaren achieved it last year, we can do it in 2021"

Ricciardo to McLaren

Ricciardo already announced prior to the 2020 Formula 1 season that he would drive for McLaren in 2021. Normally you would expect a driver to perform less during that season, but that was not the case. He has been on the podium twice and expects tension in midfield will also be there in 2021.

"Last year there was a rivalry with most of the field. More teams than not finished on the podium last year. The battle to fight towards the front was getting more intense. Mercedes still have the target on their back, but the rest of us are trying to close in on that. It will be close again, hopefully, my experience and motivation comes out on top in whatever battle that is," Ricciardo said during a press conference attended by GPblog. 

Return of Alonso

Ricciardo, however, leaves a car at Renault that he had properly tuned. At Renault, he was now feeling good about himself and could have steered the development of the team in the direction he wanted. He now hands that car over to Fernando Alonso, who will be a formidable competitor in 2021.

"I have the ambition to be on the podium again in 2021 and for my first time with McLaren. The team achieved it last year so in my head, I say 'okay we can do it this year'. However, it will not be that easy. Carlos (Sainz) and Fernando [Alonso] are indeed good rivals. I look forward to all the battles, and I'm excited to have Fernando back in F1," the Australian concluded.