Ricciardo wants leadership role at McLaren: "Not to surpass Lando"

McLaren is the fourth Formula One team to unveil its new car for the 2022 season. Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris will soon get to make their first metres in the new car, which will feel very different from last year's car due to the rule changes. Ricciardo hopes to continue the upward trend in his second year with the team.

Ricciardo on the new MCL36

"It's vibrant," Ricciardo says of the updated, orange and blue livery. "Formula 1 is about performance and that's the primary purpose, but what comes a close second is looking good. I'm very pleased that before we even hit the track, we look good."

Ricciardo is at the start of his twelfth season in Formula 1 in and admits that his experience has given him high expectations of himself. He is therefore aiming for a more prominent role at McLaren this year.

In 2021, the Australian drove for a long time in the shadow of his younger teammate Norris. Towards the end of the season, Ricciardo seemed to find his feet better, and he would like to continue that upward trend. "It's not to surpass Lando off the track, but I will always try to present myself as a leader. In my twelfth year in Formula 1, I expect that from myself to at least give the team some guidance," Ricciardo said.