The 2021 F1 season so far has proven to be incredibly difficult for drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo, who has jumped into entirely new teams. Additionally, there have been a lot of changes to the starting line-up, especially this season, with some big names joining different outfits.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
And of course it’s not uncommon to see such confusion in Formula 1, but what causes these drivers’ unexpected fights? Why are you having a hard time getting up to speed this season? Well, Ricciardo has a theory.
Formula 1 F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – April 16, 2021 Daniel Ricciardo of McLaren in action during practice REUTERS / Guglielmo Mangiapane
The Australian reckoned that, unlike in previous seasons, F1 would have brought about a number of changes to the rules governing cars for the 2021 season.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
And this could be the main cause of the obvious fighting for seasoned drivers. Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz and Ricciardo themselves are prime examples.
So he said it might take longer than usual for drivers to get used to their new cars.
What did Daniel Ricciardo say?
During the press conference in Portimao, Ricciardo stated that drivers with new teams this season may have to learn a lot more than usual.
“It just takes getting used to with the new car,” he said. “I think that’s because there haven’t been that many in recent years. This is just a theory that I came up with on the spot. But because there haven’t really been a lot of rule changes. How the cars are pretty similar.
“Everyone is only able to achieve a very high level and to feel very comfortable and familiar in their surroundings. So to speak, ”Ricciardo continued.
“So yes. I think I’ll jump on another team and try to learn something, not from scratch, but probably halfway there. When the level is that high, it shows the gap. So I don’t know if that makes any sense. But that’s probably my theory for now. “
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
Formula 1 F1 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Autodromo Enzo and Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy – Max Verstappen from Red Bull celebrates first place with McLaren’s Lando Norris on the podium REUTERS / Guglielmo Mangiapane
It’s been a pretty slow start for Ricciardo this season despite having an incredibly fast car. And the McLaren’s potential was pretty obvious in the hands of Lando Norris. The Briton secured the first podium of the season for himself and the team.
So how long will it be before the Australian gets to see his teammate this season for more such successes? Well only time will tell.
ADVERTISING
The article continues below this ad
SUBMERGED DEPTH
