Ricciardo reveals 'method to McLaren's madness' during winter preparations

McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo believes there has been a 'method to the team's madness' during his integration at Woking over the winter.

Ricciardo makes his McLaren debut in Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix after making the switch from Renault - now Alpine - at the end of last year.

The Australian's bedding-in process culminated in 12 hours of running at the pre-season test at the same venue two weeks ago.

Ricciardo has revealed there has been no let-up in his preparations since he joined but then he could see why McLaren had made the steps it has in the previous two years.

"They've worked me pretty hard over the last few months," Ricciardo said. "There has been a method to the madness and it has had its reasons.

"It hasn't wasted my time. I think we have worked efficiently and I think they have just been ticking as many boxes as they can.

"I think it just shows that they put work in and they get results as they have shown over the last couple of years."

McLaren will be Ricciardo's third home in four years following stints at Red Bull and Renault, with the seven-time race winner stating: "There are certainly differences across all teams. I don't want to make comparisons because I don't think it is fair."

Ricciardo, however, did reveal his initial feelings when entering the McLaren Technology Centre for the first time.

"From the outside looking in to McLaren over the last couple of years, they have turned a massive corner and even their presence in the paddock, it was certainly more felt, it felt larger," he added.

"Walking in, I felt there is a lot of enthusiasm and motivation and there is a real sense of momentum in the team."

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