Miami’s race truly marks a remarkable turnaround for Ricciardo: from the significant challenges at the beginning of the season to securing 4th place in Miami…
Daniel Ricciardo has endured hardships indeed. He’s been doubted, then faced with Helmut Marko’s usual ultimatum, and ultimately paid for incidents that weren’t his fault, particularly the one in China.
All sorts of things have been said: from the more classic “cooked” to those who’ve even gone as far as calling Ricciardo one of the most overrated drivers of all time.
As if those eight victories counted for nothing.
Daniel Ricciardo responded with actions
. He answered like a champion, securing 4th place in the Sprint Qualifying in Miami because he is a champion. Danny Ric showcased his true qualities on the track because that’s the real Ricciardo.
He publicly admitted to having suffered a lot in recent years: he, who makes a smile his trademark, he who in a survey among drivers was labeled the “funniest guy in the entire paddock.”
Ricciardo, a “forgotten” talent.
Yet, in recent years, perhaps the smile was a mask for a guy who couldn’t find the talent he had shown until 2020 when, in that year at Renault, he closed in qualifying with a 15-2 record against Ocon.
Only 2 times in 17 races Ocon was faster than him, for a driver who the following year was almost on par with Alonso.
But it seems like everyone forgets about it.
He doesn’t forget, and on a circuit where he has raced only once before in his career (2022), he wanted to dare.
Watch the onboard of his lap: there was nothing left, not even a tenth. He squeezed out everything, he wanted to take risks, aware that another incident would have put him in question again.
But no: Ricciardo tries, dares, risks, comes close, wins.
Fourth place, ahead of both McLarens, both Aston Martins, and Carlos Sainz.
Tsunoda? 15th, 11 positions behind him.
Let it be a reminder for the future: be careful when judging Daniel Ricciardo negatively.
Photo: Visa CashApp RB F1 Team