RB’s Daniel Ricciardo is eagerly anticipating his return to the Monaco Grand Prix after sitting out last season. Ricciardo has had success in the past at the prestigious Monte Carlo streets, bouncing back from a disappointing loss in 2016 to claim victory from pole position in 2018. However, his departure from McLaren and subsequent return to Red Bull as a reserve driver meant he missed out on competing last year. Despite being present in Monaco 12 months ago, Ricciardo expressed his desire to get back on the track and revive his Formula 1 career. He vividly remembers watching the cars from the pit lane and feeling a sense of envy towards the drivers. Ricciardo described the experience of driving in Monaco as “awesomely scary and beautiful and insane and intense,” and he is thrilled to have the opportunity to do so again. He also highlighted the importance of driver skill and connection with the car in Monaco, using his former teammate Esteban Ocon as an example of how a driver can compensate for car performance. In Monaco, the setup of the car may not matter as much, but being comfortable with the setup can allow a driver to push their limits and excel.
Ricciardo’s victory in Monaco six years ago remains his most recent triumph in Formula 1, and he had a disappointing performance in his last two visits with McLaren.
In 2021, Lando Norris overtook Ricciardo and finished on the podium, while Ricciardo qualified 14th and finished outside the points in his last race.
When asked if Monaco can evoke extreme emotions, Ricciardo responded, “Yes, it does because I had many successful years here with Red Bull and even had a good qualifying with Renault. But my qualifying performances with McLaren were not good.”
“The highs and lows are amplified because if you qualify poorly, the weekend is essentially over. It’s hard to be optimistic on a track where overtaking is difficult.”
“That’s why qualifying is so important here. It gives you an incredible feeling of awesomeness when you complete a lap. It’s just fun.”
“Even Max Verstappen last year, after hitting the wall multiple times in the last sector, crossed the line and knew he had pole position. He earned it because no one else was willing to take those risks.”
“There’s a sense of deserving the success. Every part of it is earned throughout the year.”
Ricciardo enters this weekend with more promising performances in the last two races, finishing fourth in the Miami Sprint and reaching Q3 at Imola.
The eight-time grand prix winner has been mentally preparing for qualifying laps in order to maintain his recent momentum.
“I’ve already visualized some fast laps and that feeling,” Ricciardo confessed.
“I approach the weekend with genuine happiness, confidence, and the possibility of success.”
“Tomorrow, there is no reward, so I’m just excited to drive this track again. Not in a casual way, but with a sense of awe and gratitude.”
“After a few laps, I’ll start to push myself harder and build confidence. Maybe I can achieve an amazing lap on Saturday.”