Daniel Ricciardo’s take on Lando Norris being faster than Max Verstappen

Lando Norris is yet to win in Formula 1, although he has claimed six rostrums for McLaren.

New AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo is hopeful that former McLaren team-mate Daniel Ricciardo will get the chance to “fight for wins” in the future, with the Aussie noting that the 23-year-old is “very, very good”.

Norris sensationally led the opening laps of last weekend’s British Grand Prix, after qualifying in second alongside Max Verstappen.

Whilst Verstappen did reclaim the lead with ease, Norris held on to claim second for the Woking-based team.

It marked his first home podium, something which resulted in an almighty roar from the British crowd.

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Norris is certainly an exceptional driver and has delivered some exceptional results over the years, with him having claimed six podiums for McLaren.

Given that McLaren are a midfield team though, it’s unknown what the Briton could achieve if he drove for a leading team, like Red Bull.

Norris has been linked to the Austrians recently over a potential move after his McLaren deal expires, which’ll happen at the end of 2025.

The young star certainly was too strong for Ricciardo during their two-year spell together, something the 33-year-old would openly admit.

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Ricciardo is a big fan of Norris who he rates as being a “phenomenal talent”, with the Aussie simply hoping that the Briton gets the chance to show just how good he is in a leading car.

“There’s no doubt that Lando is extremely good,” Ricciardo said.

“I think it’s one of those ones where he’s certainly, at least what I felt the car was capable of, he was always getting the maximum out of it. Something obviously I struggled to do at McLaren.

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“So I look at that and I’m like, ‘Okay, this kid is maximising everything he’s got’. Most times it would translate. If he went to a top team it should translate and he goes again to the level of the car. I’m sure he would be quick in a top team. I don’t have any doubt about that. I think he’s proven himself.

“I hope for him he one day gets the chance to be in a car that can fight for wins. But do I think that he can’t handle that? No. I’m sure he can. Until we win – we all believe we can do it, but you’ve got to do it – but I think he’s a phenomenal talent.

“Comparing him to Max, it’s hard because did Lando put in some amazing quali laps? Absolutely. Were they as good as anyone on the grid? Probably. But obviously Max has done that as well. I think there have been days where he obviously looks as good. But to draw a like for like comparison, it’s tough. But I think he’s very, very good.”