Ricciardo's resilience shines through in Zandvoort
Monday, 26 August 2024
Daniel Ricciardo could ill-afford to go backwards at the start in Spa, but a lap-one slip prompted a push back to the points, which came to him after George Russell’s disqualification.
Daniel Ricciardo demonstrated his trademark resilience at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing 12th after starting from the back of the grid. The Australian driver's performance showcased his ability to navigate through the pack and challenge for points in a tightly contested midfield battle.
Ricciardo's weekend at Zandvoort was a tale of two halves. A disappointing qualifying session on Saturday left him frustrated and starting from the rear of the field. However, the Visa Cash App RB driver bounced back on Sunday with a strong showing that left him feeling much more positive about his overall performance.
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The race saw Ricciardo engage in fierce battles with several midfield competitors. He found himself in the thick of the action, pushing hard to make up positions and challenge for points. While ultimately falling short of a top-10 finish, Ricciardo's pace and racecraft were evident throughout the Grand Prix.
"We didn't get points today but I feel much better than yesterday and I'm more pleased with how the day went," Ricciardo reflected after the race. "I was frustrated after qualifying as it didn't help starting from the back, but today I was able to put together a better race, as I really felt we had a strong showing."
Ricciardo's performance was particularly impressive in the latter stages of the race. He found himself catching up to Lance Stroll and Nico Hulkenberg, showcasing the pace of his Visa Cash App RB machine. This late-race charge highlighted Ricciardo's ability to manage his tyres and extract maximum performance when it mattered most.
The Australian's teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, had a more challenging day, finishing 17th after struggling with strategy and traffic throughout the race. The contrasting fortunes of the two drivers underscored the fine margins that can make or break a Formula 1® weekend.
Looking ahead to the next race at Monza, Ricciardo expressed optimism about building on the positives from Zandvoort. "Hopefully, in Monza, we'll be even more okay putting it all together from start to finish, and qualify better to have an easier Sunday," he said.
Ricciardo's performance at Zandvoort, while not resulting in points, demonstrated his ability to overcome adversity and fight through the field. It's a reminder of the talent and determination that have made him a fan favourite in Formula 1®.
Daniel's Grand Prix by the numbers
- Qualified: 15th
- Race: 12th
- Fastest lap: 1min 15.222secs (13th), lap 52
- Points this event: 1
- Points this season: 12 (13th in world championship)
