Sainz and Ricciardo commend McLaren F1’s robust comeback, despite facing intense criticism.
McLaren F1 stirred controversy with its team orders and strategy management in Hungary, where Lando Norris had to concede victory to Oscar Piastri after inheriting the lead due to a team error. When asked about this, Daniel Ricciardo expressed his belief that Norris did the right thing.
“It’s tough because it’s between Lando and Oscar. If Lando stays ahead and the relationship with Oscar and the team breaks down, there’s still half the season to go. I think, considering that and looking at the rest of the season, there will be times when Lando will need to rely on Oscar,” explained the Australian.
“And if you fracture that when there’s still half a season left, I think that’s where it becomes difficult. So yes, maybe as a young kid in Formula 1, I would have thought about it very differently. But I think with age and a bit of experience and wisdom, that’s the way to see things.”
Carlos Sainz was posed the same question, and the Spanish driver defended his former team, noting that they are relearning how to win after some tough years: “I personally think you are very harsh on McLaren.”
“I think if you look at where McLaren was a year and a half ago and where they are now, it’s something admirable and something they have achieved alone with the way they have developed the car, developed the team, and put themselves in a position to potentially fight for the championship.”
“Whether they win it or not with a seven-point lead, those seven points could be found elsewhere, not just in Hungary, perhaps because they started the season further back than they wanted, not in this exact race in Hungary.”
“Personally, I greatly admire Andrea Stella, the way he manages the team, handles each situation, the calm at McLaren, even as you push them to strive for greater things. But I think they are on the right track and are currently the strongest team in Formula 1, so hats off to them.”
They had not predicted McLaren’s dominance.
Sainz drove for McLaren in 2019 and 2020, and Ricciardo was there in 2021 and 2022. Both experienced challenging times, particularly Ricciardo, who was overshadowed by Norris and scored a solitary win that masked a host of difficulties. He admits he would not have foreseen the team’s rapid progress in just two years.
“I’m not going to say yes, because I don’t think I did. From that perspective, it’s somewhat of a surprise that in less than two years, they’ve become probably the fastest team on the grid.”
“But I’m also not saying ‘oh, if only I had that.’ It’s sports; that’s how it is. And I think, as Carlos has already mentioned, we have to tip our hats to them. Anyone in this sport who succeeds, evolves, and makes significant strides in a short time deserves congratulations.”
For his part, Sainz had not imagined the team would become the leading force so quickly: “I wouldn’t say I predicted it. I think when I left McLaren four years ago, I felt that the team was on the right track and that it was a great place to work, and I enjoyed my time there.”
“When I left, I felt it might just be a matter of time—it could take two years, four years, six years for them to become the McLaren we all know from their historical success. But I believe they had the right people at the time to lead the team to the front of the pack.”
“And yes, it’s been three or four years since I left. I think it was particularly last year that they demonstrated their true strength and made significant strides forward, in a very short but very, very significant amount. And as Daniel said, I tip my hat to them.”
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Sainz, Ricciardo Laud McLaren’s Resilient Recovery Sainz, Ricciardo Laud McLaren’s Resilient Recovery
