Daniel Ricciardo is hopeful that he can be in a prime position to potentially challenge for the title in 2024. The Australian has not had the smoothest start to his time with McLaren since joining the Woking-based outfit this season. However, with his contract running until 2023, he is confident that the team will catch up with the frontrunners in two years' time, given that their new wind tunnel will be fully functioning by that point. "I understand that the team is on a great trajectory," Ricciardo is quoted by Motorsport.com. "But now there are still a few hurdles in place that are probably going to stop us, let's say, fighting for a championship for the next year or two. "But it is a bit of a reality now that the wind tunnel is a pretty big piece of the puzzle. It might be the last piece of the puzzle for the team. "I think me, looking at it now, I really look to just to try and keep building on where I am now over the next couple of years with McLaren, and then hopefully put myself in a prime spot for that '24 season. "It sounds crazy to talk that far ahead. But yeah, sometimes you've got to think like that." In the meantime, Ricciardo is focused on continuing to make progress in adjusting to this year's car. The 32-year-old admits that this is something he is able to cope with better now than he would have in his younger days. "Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely trying! I want all the glory today! But I guess the experience tells me that it's definitely a process," Ricciardo – who made his F1 debut back in 2011 – explained. "But I guess with the age and wisdom and probably maturity comes some more composure than say, when I was younger, expecting the world from everything and it wasn't happening. "Then yeah, I probably would have thrown a few tantrums by now and lost it mentally so to speak. "So that's where being here for a while now kinda helps take a breath, step back, go through it and understand that there's a reason why things aren't great right now. I need to find some answers as opposed to just throw my hands up and walk away from it all." At the halfway point of the 2021 season, Ricciardo currently sits in ninth place in the Drivers' standings, whilst teammate Lando Norris is in third.
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