Ricciardo: 'Norris has advantage of knowing only one F1 team'

The 2023 F1 season is not over yet, but we can see that Daniel Ricciarco has been beaten by his teammate Lando Norris. Ricciardo also seems to have given up that battle and knows the reasons for his defeat.

Ricciardo dominated by teammate Norris

The difference between the two McLaren drivers is currently a whopping 72 points in Norris' favour with four races to go in 2022; it is the difference between P7 and P12. Ricciardo said he cannot do the same with the McLaren as Norris. The Australian sees two obvious reasons for the big gap compared to his less experienced teammate. Speaking to The-Race.com he said: "It comes down to two points. One, I’ll never take credit away from him – the kid’s good. There’s no denying that. And if I say he’s not, then I’m just being a bitter, sore loser. The kid’s good. That’s obviously one element, he can steer."

Norris has advantage of being inexperienced

The second point Ricciardo makes is a bit more complicated: "The second is, ignorance is bliss. And I’m not saying he’s got no knowledge of racecars, not at all. I think he’s quite actually in tune with what he does, from a technical point of view. But it’s the only F1 car he’s driven. Obviously, there’s been variations of the McLaren. But he hasn’t driven for another team. So in a way he has got, I’m sure, used to some of the elements of this car."

Ricciardo can't find better words for it and doesn't like to say it, but does think he can assess the potential of F1 cars and his own ability better than his teammate. With only two seats still available for the 2023 season, Ricciardo is unlikely to be seen in F1 next year. The Australian has been mentioned at times, but does not seem to be at the top of Williams and Haas F1's lists.