McLaren celebrates first double points finish of the year at Australian Grand Prix
McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo have celebrated their first double points finish of the 2022 season after a resurgent team performance at the Australian Grand Prix.
Daniel Ricciardo before the Australian Grand Prix. (McLaren Racing)
Lando Norris began the grand prix in fourth and fell behind Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap, but was able to hold station to cross the line in fifth.
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo crossed the line in sixth for his first championship points of the year, following Norris across the line.
“It has been a better weekend which is positive for the team," said Ricciardo, who made up a position when Max Verstappen retired from the leading pack.
Ricciardo was sanguine about a late-race direction not to challenge Norris, but refused to be drawn on the issue.
"I’m happy with the progress and, as a team result, I think we executed everything we could."
"I think the first part of the race was positive but there is still a bit to work on."
"Probably in that second stint I lost a little bit of pace on the hard tyre."
"It came back to me a little bit – but we still have a bit of understanding to do."
"I’ll keep working at it but generally, as a whole, the weekend’s been smooth."
Lando Norris leads McLaren teammate Daniel Ricciardo during the Australian Grand Prix. (McLaren Racing)
Ricciardo was told over team radio about an ongoing issue with his McLaren stablemate, and told not to overtake if the situation worsened.
The order was slightly premature, as the #3 driver was 3.8 seconds behind his teammate and not in a position to overtake.
Ricciardo seemed to emphasise this as he brushed off any annoyance with a focus on the positives from his result.
"I’m happy to walk away with my first points of the year at home, which is also nice for the all the fans who came out here, so I’m feeling pretty content," said the Australian.
"We leave Melbourne in good spirits, which feels nice as it’s probably been four years since I left here in good spirits.”
The 2022 Formula 1 season continues April 22-24 at Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
