Daniel Ricciardo Pulls Off The Pass Of The Year

"I Like 'Em Vulnerable"


Article heading image for Daniel Ricciardo Pulls Off The Pass Of The Year

Starting 16th (thanks to engine penalties) in the Italian Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo drove like a man possessed.

Deranged.

Whatever.

The Australian's incredible charge to fourth at Monza will rank as one of his greatest drives.

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But it was his move on Kimi Raikkonen for fourth-place with twelve laps remaining that really got the paddock - and the commentators - talking.

Ricciardo hinted something special was coming when he came on the team radio on lap 41.

"He's vulnerable again. Let's get him," he said.

And that's exactly what Perth's finest did, leaving his braking until the very last moment to dive down the inside of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

"That wasn't even an overtaking opportunity," commentator Martin Brundle said.

"That was from so far back. A lunge with a capital L. Spectacular. One for the CV."

Even his boss, Red Bull's Christian Horner was impressed.

"He made some phenomenal overtaking moves."

"He's one of the best overtakers out there. His ability to brake late and still make the apex. It was Nigel Mansell-esque."

Yes - THE Nigel Mansell who provided the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide with some of its most memorable moments.

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Ricciardo called it the most fun he's had since - well, the British Grand Prix in July.

"I loved it, it was good fun," said the 28-year old.

"Two of my favourite races this year have been starting from the back — Silverstone and then this one."

It's perhaps not surprising the Aussie also bagged the fastest lap of the race, a 1:23.361.

While his 12 place promotion from where he started could be called a solid day at the office, he laments narrowly missing the podium.

(I)... "could see Seb [Vettel]", said Daniel.

You can almost call it a perfect day. We couldn't have done much more from where we started," he said.

"Of course I wanted to be up there on the podium as it looked unreal, but I believe it will come next year."

But this year it was all about Lewis Hamilton who led from lights to flag to take the championship lead from Sebastian Vettel.

The Ferrari driver had to settle for 3rd behind Valtteri Bottas in the other Mercedes.

Expect Daniel Ricciardo to make another charge under lights at the Singapore Grand Prix in less than 2 weeks' time.

 

Sean Maynard

10 December 2018

Article by:

Sean Maynard




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