Ricciardo and Norris won’t be a ‘meme power couple’

Michelle Foster
Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris

Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris

Despite offering some of the funniest moments in Formula 1 in recent years, Daniel Ricciardo says his new partnership with Lando Norris won’t become a “comedy show”.

Ricciardo has joined McLaren ahead of the 2021 season, having decided to leave Renault after just two years racing in yellow.

The Aussie’s new team means he has a new team-mate in Norris, it’s a pairing that promises to offer up not only good results but a lot of laughs.

Back in 2019, Ricciardo had the McLaren driver in tears of laughter at a press conference following a question about facial hair.

There were several other offerings showing how well the two get along.

McLaren, though, need not worry that their new driver pairing will be more about the laughs than the results.

In an interview with Sky Sports, he said: “It’s not going to be a comedy show.

“I’m going there for business, I’m going there to improve the car.

“My personality won’t change so I think I do enjoy doing what I do… but I’m certainly not going there to be this meme power couple or whatever it’s described as these days!”

Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris (McLaren)

Sign up to the official Formula 1 store and save 10% on your first order!

Ricciardo’s decision to leave Renault was initially criticised by then team boss Cyril Abiteboul, although he later praised for the Aussie for what he had brought to the team.

Leaving Renault with two podium results to his name, the team’s first since buying back the Enstone outfit, Ricciardo feels he has did his job.

“I can honestly leave here feeling fulfilled,” he said.

“I think importantly for myself feeling like I contributed something back into this team.

“Really it was the podiums, and just to see the joy not only on my face but also on the team’s face. It had been so long.”

Follow us on Twitter @Planet_F1 and like our Facebook page.