Ricciardo ready to 'give it my absolute all' in 2021

McLaren Racing today unveiled the team’s new livery and driver line-up ahead of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship™.

Lando Norris enters his third season in Formula 1® with McLaren and is joined by Australian and seven-time race winner Daniel Ricciardo.

2020 saw the team climb to third in the Constructors’ Championship amid tough competition from a packed midfield. The intense rivalry between teams is expected to continue into 2021 as technical regulations remain stable.

Alongside its fresh driver line-up, the team shared a first glimpse of the McLaren MCL35M, the team’s 2021 race car. The MCL35M is an evolution of the 2020 contender and benefits from aerodynamic and chassis developments by the team throughout the winter.

Alongside these developments comes the introduction of a new power unit, supplied by Mercedes-AMG. The Mercedes-AMG M12 E Performance was integrated into the design of the MCL35M by McLaren with the support of Mercedes High Performance Powertrains and represents one of several key changes to the car as part of its evolution into the MCL35M.

The fan-loved livery of the MCL35M has undergone a subtle progression from the 2020 design, maintaining the iconic McLaren papaya orange and blue.

Norris and Ricciardo will first drive the MCL35M at Silverstone from tomorrow as part of the team’s pre-season filming days.

The team makes its first official outing at the Bahrain International Circuit on March 12 at pre-season testing. McLaren F1 will return to Sakhir for the Formula 1 season-opener, and the team’s first home race, at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix on March 28.

Daniel Ricciardo, #3, said: “It’s great to have finally joined the team after what feels like an age since we confirmed it last May. I’m thrilled to be a McLaren driver and super-keen to get started.

"McLaren has been on an awesome journey over the last few years, and I’m looking forward to helping the team maintain this positive momentum.

"I’ve been spending the last few weeks here in the UK getting fully integrated into the team so that we’re as prepared as possible for the start of the season. I’ve had such a warm welcome from everyone I’ve met and there’s a real sense of unity and focus around the factory, and a lot of excitement!

“Going into this new season in Formula 1, I’m feeling excited and motivated to give it my absolute all.

"I think my determination to perform has only grown as I’ve gained more experience and I’m looking forward to getting this next chapter in my career started.”