Daniel Ricciardo has recognised Australian Formula 1 fans during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The McLaren driver completed three half-days of running on the weekend that was originally scheduled to start the 2021 season.
A calendar reshuffle in January saw the Australian Grand Prix moved to November, with pre-season testing filling the void it left.
“Shout out to the Aussie fans,” Ricciardo said over team radio, picked up by the sport’s broadcaster.
“Today was meant to be the Aussie Grand Prix. But… yeah. Hang tight. We’ll be back in November to do it properly.”
McLaren and Ricciardo were standout performers across the three days of pre-season testing.
The Australian topped the morning running on the first two days, while McLaren ran faultlessly through its programme throughout the test.
The 2021 Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 26-28.
Melbourne will now host the third-last round of the year on November 19-21.
Good on ya @danielricciardo 👊
The Aussie driver sent his warmest regards back home to the land Down Under 🇦🇺#F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/DfEii0OF3z
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2021
