Lando and Danny: perfect double act

And McLaren has a Merc engine!

McLaren offers us a glimpse of a more diverse, progressive future for Formula One. Its cars have more prominently displayed rainbow colours than rivals while the team has an ongoing partnership with charity Mind, playing neatly into how much Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo speak about their mental health. Lando was keen to open up in 2020 in order to help fans whose lives have been blighted by lockdown. “If I can do it confidently on a big stage, without being afraid, then they should be fine to say it to their mates,” he says.

A genuine friendship appeared to flourish between Lando and former teammate Carlos Sainz, via a series of social media videos considerably less forced than anything that’s gone before. You’d assume Danny Ric would slip in neatly as Lando’s new BFF, but McLaren won’t force a bromance between the two. We’d be astonished if one isn’t already forming.

Either way, it’s an enviable line-up. Pairing up two personable drivers who look delighted to be racing the fastest cars in the world – while being frank and honest about the pressure F1 puts on their shoulders – is unlikely to be a duff move. Two of the cheeriest faces on the grid, attached to two of the most relatable men. Who both happen to be flipping quick, too. Especially if McLaren can build upon its third place in 2020. With the arrival of Merc-AMG power (replacing Renault engines), you’d be a fool to bet against it.

“Everyone knows the history of McLaren and what they’ve achieved in the past,” says Lando. “And they don’t just take any driver, they take those who they believe are the best.” In his third season in F1, will a new teammate and engine help elevate the young Brit yet further in our estimation?