Coulthard expects tough year for Norris: 'Ricciardo is ruthless on the track'

With a new engine and a new line-up, McLaren seems to have made the leap towards Red Bull Racing and Mercedes. The team that was still in the back of the pack in 2017, has made a lot of changes and next year podiums seem to be very feasible for Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo. David Coulthard also sees that McLaren has made steps and expects a lot from Norris this year.

"It's a big test for Lando. In Carlos he had a fast teammate, but also someone who was easy to deal with. Part of knowing your opponents is knowing your own teammate," Coulthard explained in conversation with Sun Sport. The former Red Bull driver recognises that Norris will need to adapt his driving style if he is to form a good duo with Ricciardo.

Lando will learn a lot from Ricciardo

"Daniel is someone who is easy off the track but quite ruthless on the track and he has that racing blood. We were able to see that when he had Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen as teammates." Coulthard therefore expects Ricciardo to have the upper hand in the opening stages, but that Norris will also be able to fight back.

After all, the Briton, who will be spending his third year in F1 next season, still has a lot of potential in him. "It's going to be tough for Lando, but I also think it's a great opportunity for him to prove himself and show that he can also fight," Coulthard concluded.