“I rate him extremely highly” – McLaren technical director James Key is delighted with the arrival of Daniel Ricciardo, with whom he had previously worked in Toto Rosso.
Daniel Ricciardo has joined McLaren to strengthen the team after the departure of Carlos Sainz to Ferrari. Ricciardo will partner with Lando Norris, which is a tasty prospect, both on and off the track.
McLaren’s technical director James Key acknowledges the loss of Sainz, who finished P6 in the last two seasons. But having worked with Ricciardo earlier in Toro Rosso, he’s excited by the prospect of it. Key was a special guest in the F1 Nation podcast.
“It will leave a gap. But his replacement will fill [the gap] very well. It’s great to have Dan on board, and having worked with him… in the past, I know he’ll bring new and different opinions and ways of working to the team, which will be welcome. So there’s a gap to fill, but we’ve got a great guy to fill it.
“He’ll bring a great experience. He’ll bring a lighter, sort of jovial touch as well in some cases. He’s a great character out of the car as well as in, but he’ll bring a great deal of experience and a huge amount of determination.
“I think what always impressed me with Daniel is this massive amount of determination he has, particularly when he’s driving; you can really feel and see that. You listen to his radio messages when he’s driving, and he’s a very different character to when he’s out of the car and relaxed.
