Daniel Ricciardo has claimed the 2021 Formula One season to be the most challenging of his career, saying that it has been “consistently difficult.”

Ricciardo joined McLaren this year to partner Lando Norris, but while the young British driver has impressed, Ricciardo has struggled to get up to speed in his new car.

Ricciardo has 50 points to Norris’ 113, putting the 21-year-old in third place behind title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the standings. Ricciardo is in ninth place.

“Definitely. Definitely harder,” he told Speedcafe when asked if this season has been his toughest in F1.

“I think it’s the first time I’ve consistently found it difficult.

“For sure over the years you have bad weekends, and you might even have two bad ones on the trot, but then you kind of get it right where I feel like it’s been definitely more bad, or more or less impressive than good.”

Ricciardo had his best finish of the year in the British Grand Prix, finishing fifth, and looked to be on track for a strong showing in Hungary, but his MCL35M was heavily damaged in the Turn 1 carnage.

He is aware, however, that he must develop his skills in a sport where minor errors may be costly and where small improvements can make or break a season.

“I think sometimes as well, you’ve got to realise and remember that I’m in the elite level of the sport. It shouldn’t be easy,” he added.

“So yeah, I’m struggling more than I have before but it’s probably for a reason as well. I am against the best guys, so I’ve just got to lift my game and figure it out.”

The uniforms of Formula One racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price: