Ricciardo lucid: 'Sometimes it is taken out of context'

Daniel Ricciardo could hardly be satisfied during the first day in Baku with an eighteenth and fourteenth place. Behind the scenes, however, the discussion was once again about his future at McLaren, about which he seems to have little to worry himself for the time being.

The Australian still has a contract that runs until the end of 2023, but McLaren is reportedly doubtful about his future at the race stable. Since his arrival, Ricciardo has not met the expectations of the team and so McLaren might want to opt for a different driver next season.

Ricciardo is not worried for the time being, as he emphasized in conversation with Formule1.nl. "We spoke, but it wasn't really necessary," he states convincingly, then responds to the criticism. "I've become a bit immune to it. Sometimes it is taken out of context. I know how things are between us and what I have with this team."

McLaren has big challenge in Baku

Also Lando Norris has it not easy at all in Azerbaijan. The Briton drove the eleventh time in the first free practice and finished a few hours later only one place higher. For McLaren, there is still a lot of work to be done to set a good qualifying time on Saturday afternoon.