Daniel Ricciardo has explained some of the difficulties that changing teams can bring as he begins to adapt to McLaren following his switch from Renault. The Australian admits that it can be challenging to become integrated into all aspects of working with a new team, which encompasses not just the driving but also feeling involved with the engineering and other departments. Ricciardo also has to ensure that he feels listened to when giving feedback and input. “I think fitting in [is the most difficult aspect of a new team],” Ricciardo told RacingNews365.com along with a select number of journalists after the team's car launch. “In terms of feeling like you’re part of the team. Being integrated not only into the driving side, but into all of it; into the engineering, the strategy. “I’ve already had so many meetings here at the MTC [McLaren Technology Centre] with not only my engineer but really with the whole racing department. So it’s feeling like you’re sitting in the room with a voice and with enough knowledge that what you say will be taken on board. “I think that whole integration into all areas of the race team, that’s probably got a lot more power than being the driver, and only the driver. I think that feeling, like you can sit in every room and have a presence, that’s probably the most important but also the most difficult thing to get going.” 2021 is not the first time that Ricciardo has made a big career move. In 2019 the Australian joined Renault following a long stint with Red Bull, where he achieved seven race victories. Now he faces a new challenge at McLaren, where he will be joined by new teammate Lando Norris. The pair unveiled the team’s new car, the MCL35M, during a launch event on Monday.
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