McLaren CEO Zak Brown said the team was unlikely to develop a championship-winning car for Daniel Ricciardo in 2021. Brown admitted the top 3 gap would be difficult to close, but was confident of making good progress next season.
Daniel Ricciardo is unlikely to fight for the title in 2021
McLaren has a lot to celebrate in 2021. In Daniel Ricciardo they get a superstar driver, but more importantly, an engine change. With Mercedes, which will power McLaren in 2021, the Woking outfit is again on the best way to becoming a top team.
Ricciardo, however, has high ambitions towards McLaren. The Australian also had some very high ambitions when he came to Renault. Unfortunately, Renault Ricciardo could not convince of a future with the team in which he would become world champion.
The honey badger has made it clear in the past that he only has one goal in F1. Winning world championships at the height of motorsport is something every driver dreams of. For Daniel Ricciardo it is a dream that is slowly fading.
Ricciardo is not old at 30, but is about to overcome his absolute heyday. As a result, the Aussie needs a competitive car – sooner rather than later.
McLaren is the only logical option for Ricciardo considering that the top teams have different commitments.
Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, Brown believes McLaren won’t move mountains next season. Despite the crucial switch to Mercedes performance, McLaren is still not quite at Ferrari or Mercedes level.
“I think He [Ricciardo] is able to win the championship immediately in the right car. I don’t think we’re going to give him a championship car to be realistic in ’21, but hopefully we’ll give him something to show off his talent.
“He is very exciting on the track, he is very exciting off the track and I think the combination of Daniel and Lando, I cannot imagine a more exciting combination. I like where you are in your career and your age.
“We are currently focusing on lasers 2020 “ Brown told F1 Nation podcast.
