Ricciardo wants to be pushed by "little ankle-biter" F1 team-mates

The Australian, who turns 31 on 1 July, is alongside 23-year-old Esteban Ocon this year and next season he partners Lando Norris - who is over 10 years his junior - at McLaren.

Ricciardo says he enjoyed the motivation provided by the close fight he had with Max Verstappen during their time as team-mates at Red Bull and is relishing the opportunity to face more of the same.

"I obviously felt that with Max at Red Bull," Ricciardo told the F1 podcast. "I felt like we both lifted each other by pushing each other, and kind of being the competitors that we are.

"I would obviously expect that and love that from Lando. I say expect it because he had a very strong rookie year - I'm pretty sure he outqualified Carlos [Sainz], and that was quite a statement for his rookie year.

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"I expect him to be there. I think we're both pretty easy going once the helmet's off. And people probably have a bit of fun with that, and people are going to see some good competition.

"And the same with Ocon this year, I've still got this year with him. I haven't raced him as a team-mate yet, but same kind of deal. I'm actually really excited to have these kind of young little ankle-biters coming at me!

"I'm excited to see how he goes. He's the most rusty, having all of last year off as well, so I know he's chomping at the bit to get going."

Ricciardo has also admitted he hadn't realised how big the age gap will be between himself and Norris who doesn't turn 21 until November.

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"I actually didn't know that. I remember with Max I think there was seven years difference or something, and I was, 'Woah, that's a lot,'" the Australian said. "I'm only getting older and they're only getting younger!"

Ricciardo confirmed his 2021 switch to McLaren last month, with the move announced on the same day that outgoing McLaren driver Carlos Sainz Jr would be replacing Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari.