McLaren reported a late change to their line-up for the final pre-season F1 test on Thursday with Ricciardo pulling out after suffering from an unspecified illness.
“McLaren Racing will change its driver line-up for day one of the test,” the team tweeted.
“Daniel Ricciardo is feeling unwell therefore Lando Norris will be in the car for the opening day here at the Bahrain International Circuit.”
It was left unclear whether the 32-year-old would be back in the seat later on Friday after he was also absent from the traditional pre-season photoshoot.
For the moment, though, it’s a disappointment for Ricciardo, who’s looking to make a big impression this season after a largely disappointing opening campaign with the British team in 2021 which was rescued by a brilliant victory in the Italian Grand Prix.
Otherwise, the experienced Australian was largely outdriven by his young teammate Norris, finishing 45 points and two places behind the Englishman in last year’s drivers’ standings as he ended up eighth overall.
- AAP
