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McLaren driver Lando Norris has opened up on social media following McLaren’s announcement that fellow driver Daniel Ricciardo will not continue with the team in 2023.
McLaren announced during the afternoon that 33-year-old Daniel Ricciardo will not race for the team in 2023. The Australian leaves after only 2 years in Woking but that didn’t however grant the expected results. While still uncertain, the name of former Alpine junior and fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri has often been mentioned as a possible successor.
The Honey Badger admitted in McLaren’s press release: “I have no regrets and am proud of the effort and work I gave McLaren, especially the win in Monza, last season. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone at McLaren both trackside and back in Woking and will be giving my all on and off track as we enjoy the remainder of the season together. ”
Norris: “What a ride!”
It was 2020 when, following Sebastian Vettel’s exit from Ferrari and Carlos Sainz’s consequent move to Maranello, McLaren announced Daniel Ricciardo as the big name’s signing destined to bring the team back to its glorious days on track. Off track Ricciardo also was expected to help the team’s growing popularity among fans and media while being teamed up with youngster Lando Norris.
The same Norris had previously admitted to Mirror to helping Ricciardo in facing the unexpected struggles in adapting to the car: “What mind games can I play? No, it’s the opposite. I’m trying to help him as much as I can. It’s for the benefit of us as a team to try to beat Alpine, at the end of the day. He sees everything I see in terms of data and everything. I’m offering more help than I normally would, let’s say.”
Now, the Brit opened up on social media to send a message to Ricciardo after the announcement of his exit from McLaren: “What a ride @danielricciardo. From that moment in Monza, to the laughs we’ve had out of the car, it’s been a joy working with you these last two years. Whatever’s next I wish you all the best, let’s have a mega next few months.”
What a ride @danielricciardo. From that moment in Monza, to the laughs we've had out of the car, it's been a joy working with you these last two years. Whatever’s next I wish you all the best, let's have a mega next few months pic.twitter.com/V0F5oQylpb
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) August 24, 2022
Headline Image: McLaren Media Centre
