Norris suffered a huge crash at the top Eau Rouge, in what was some of the most treacherous conditions seen in modern Formula One. The following Belgian Grand Prix saw one of the most dramatic Qualifying Sessions of the season, one which Norris and Mclaren will unfortunately struggle to forget. Norris after a strong qualifying was taken out of the race after being hit by Valtteri Bottas, whereas Ricciardo could only salvage an eleventh place finish. The wet conditions tended not to be Mclaren’s friend in 2021, the incredible Hungarian Grand Prix was the only event during the season where the team failed to score any points. It was a risky call by Norris to try and brave the elements on his Slicks, one which cost him not only victory but also a podium. The sudden downpour which appeared to only be happening at certain parts of the track, incredibly got stronger each of the closing few laps. As mentioned the Russian Grand Prix victory let alone a podium, was cruelly taken from Norris in the most unpredictable of circumstances. Lando Norris, Zak Brown and Ricciardo celebrating a one-two finish at the Italian Grand Prix – Credit: Mclaren Media Centre The Lows:ĭespite 2021 being a season full of so much positivity for Mclaren, there was some particularly disappointing moments for the team. His ability to battle with the strongest in the field saw him claim further podiums in 2021 at the Emilia Romagna, Monaco and Austrian Grand Prix’s. Norris’s defence of the lead however over Hamilton is what keeps the Russian Grand Prix as a high for the team, many fail to keep the Seven-Time World Champion behind, Norris though proved that he is more than capable of battling with the best and is for sure a contender in future World Championships. It was the bravest of risks to stay out on Slicks, a risk that was clearly not favoured by the elements. Norris would’ve almost certainly taken victory had the rain not arrived, or if he had pitted sooner for Intermediate tyres. The Russian Grand Prix is both a high and low moment for the team, Norris famously claimed his first-ever F1 pole in similarly rapidly changing conditions and looked in complete control of the majority of the Grand Prix. ![]() Ricciardo’s victory in Italy was so nearly followed up by victory in Russia by Norris, only for a sudden change of weather condition to snatch his first Formula One win away from him. Mclaren were the only team in 2021 to achieve a one-two finish, neither Red Bull or Mercedes could match this feat. That’s not all, with Norris completing a one-two for Mclaren at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, it was Mclaren’s first one-two finish since the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix. The Italian Grand Prix was of course the team’s greatest moment from the 2021 season, a race which not only saw Ricciardo claim his first win since the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix but was also Mclaren’s first win since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix. Daniel Ricciardo crossing the line for victory at the Italian Grand Prix – Credit: Mark Sutton/ Motorsport Images/ Mclaren Media Centre The Highs: This Grand Prix was the peak of Ricciardo’s season, who from then on continued to trail behind Norris. ![]() Of course the height of Ricciardo’s year came at the Italian Grand Prix, where he claimed his first victory since 2018, and the team’s first since 2012. As always though the Honey Badger gritted his teeth and dug-deep, eventually finding his way towards the top half of the grid. Norris was unfortunate to just come short of finishing fifth in the Driver’s Championship, the British driver ended the year in sixth despite actually being third for the vast majority of it.ĭaniel Ricciardo’s first season at Mclaren was it’s fair to say, eventful! The Australian took too long adjusting to the MC元5M, and was beaten far too many times by his less experienced team-mate. The British driver was consistently capable of battling not only both Ferrari drivers but also the Red Bull Racing and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team line-ups. Out of the shadow of Carlos Sainz Jr, Lando Norris drove his heart out all season long, and was just a meer few laps away from victory at the Russian Grand Prix, where he also claimed his first Formula One Pole Position. Yes, the British team did agonisingly miss out on third in the Constructors’ Championship to Scuderia Ferrari but nevertheless it was a year to remember. ![]() The Mclaren F1 Team found a new-level of confidence in 2021, and demonstrated some of the form seen in the team’s glory days.
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