“It will be a difficult time for Lando”- David Coulthard expects a tough time for Lando Norris with a veteran like Daniel Ricciardo.
Last year, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris were unofficially declared the most wholesome Formula 1 pair ever, as their off-track chemistry really brightened the atmosphere.
Even this year, Norris is expected to make a similar bond with Daniel Ricciardo, but David Coulthard feels that it wouldn’t be easy for the Brit with a veteran like Ricciardo.
“This is a great test for Lando,” Coulthard 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.”
Excited to compete with Daniel Ricciardo
Meanwhile, Norris is also expecting a better level of competition from Ricciardo, and last week, ahead of the pre-season testing, he said that he is excited about the rivalry.
“I think it will be a fierce battle between us,” he said. “I’m excited about 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.”
Meanwhile, everyone expects a laughter riot from their off-track behaviour; both have clarified that they intend to compete and not start a comedy club. Norris especially felt that he wants others to take him seriously now.
