For Ferrari, 2021 was a season of redemption. The Maranello team managed to finish third in the Constructors, after finishing sixth in 2020, and prevailed over McLaren in a fight that lasted all year.
If until mid-season the Woking team seemed to have a certain advantage over the Red, from the middle of the championship onwards, thanks to the introduction of the new hybrid component, Ferrari managed to recover to place itself in the standings behind Mercedes and Red Bull. .
That two teams with such a glorious past and showcases so rich in trophies have had to settle for the fight for third place in the Constructors gives the idea of the excessive power fielded by Mercedes and Red Bull, but the duel between Ferrari and McLaren was appreciated by many characters of the F1 circus, including Daniel Ricciardo.
“Seen from the outside, it can be said that it was a good story. Two of the most glorious teams fought each other after facing difficult seasons ”.
“Now they are both returning and have started fighting. What a pity it wasn’t for the first position, but I’m sure the fans want this fight ”.
The Australian driver, who had a complicated debut season with McLaren with the exception of the unexpected victory at the Monza GP, appreciated the duel with the Maranello team. This, in fact, allowed the Woking team to have a clear goal in 2021 considering the unreachability of Red Bull and Mercedes.
“It’s always better when you have something to fight for. Had it not been for Ferrari as an opponent for third place in the Constructors, it would have been an unexciting season given the superiority of Mercedes and Red Bull ”.
Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren, 1st position, shoey on the podium
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“I’m a rider who likes to have a goal to fight for and as a team we have focused on trying to beat them. Personally, however, once I close the visor and the traffic lights go out, I don’t look at the color of the car in front of me. If I think I can stay ahead then I will do everything to succeed ”.
“However, I think that for the team having this goal has brought a pinch of extra motivation. Knowing that we have something to fight for every weekend has pushed everyone to give their all and not rest on their laurels ”.
Ricciardo then went back to talking about the success obtained at the Monza GP. After a season of suffering with an MCL35M never felt like a second skin, the Australian experienced a simply perfect weekend in Italy.
“The more time passes since that race, the more I realize what I did and I think it was the best race, the best win and the best day of my career.”
“The first half of the season was full of ups and downs, while the second half was much better.” However, I have no regrets for the difficult days I have faced. If I hadn’t tried, if I hadn’t given my all, I would have had some regrets, but that’s not the case ”.
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