Daniel Ricciardo says he’s excited about looming battles with two of Formula 1’s upcoming youngsters, Lando Norris and Esteban Ocon.
Next year the Australian will jump from Renault to McLaren, where a full decade will split the soon-to-be 31-year-old Ricciardo and Norris, who turns 21 in November.
Of course, this won’t be the first time Ricciardo will have had to deal with a relative rookie trying to make their name in F1 at his expense, but ensuring that doesn’t happen is a challenge he looks forward to taking on.
“I obviously felt that with Max [Verstappen] at Red Bull,” he told the F1 Nation podcast. “I felt like we both lifted each other by pushing each other, and kind of being the competitors that we are.
“I would obviously expect that and love that from Lando. I say expect it because he had a very strong rookie year – I’m pretty sure he outqualified Carlos [Sainz], and that was quite a statement for his rookie year.
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“I expect him to be there. I think we’re both pretty easy-going once the helmet’s off and people probably have a bit of fun with that, and people are going to see some good competition.”
Before then, however, Ricciardo also faces trying to keep arguably the forgotten man of F1’s new generation at bay in 2020.
“Same with Ocon this year,” he added. “I’ve still got this year with him.
“I haven’t raced him as a teammate yet, but it’s the same kind of deal. I’m actually really excited to have these young little ankle-biters coming at me!
“I’m excited to see how he goes. He’s the most rusty, having all of last year off as well, so I know he’s chomping at the bit to get going.”