MIAMI — Lengthy after the checkered flag flew in Miami, drawing to an in depth the F1 Dash race right here on Saturday, Visa Money App RB F1 Crew driver Daniel Ricciardo was nonetheless within the TV pen, speaking to each media outlet he may, whereas flashing his trademark smile.
With good motive.
The wake of a disappointing begin to the season was behind him, and the promise of brighter days have been on the horizon. Following yesterday’s robust Dash Qualifying efficiency, that noticed Ricciardo end in P4 and begin at this time’s F1 Dash Race on the second row, Ricciardo completed the job, putting fourth for his first factors of the season, and for the crew’s greatest outcome this yr.
And maybe quieting for a second the rumors about his F1 future.
Early within the F1 Dash Race Ricciardo pushed up into P3 for a second, getting by Purple Bull driver Sergio Pérez and placing himself in podium place. Nevertheless, on the fifth lap Pérez returned the favor, sneaking by Ricciardo and shuffling the VCARB driver down into P4.
Because the Dash Race wore on, Ricciardo’s rear-view mirrors have been crammed with Ferrari pink — and blue, this weekend — as Carlos Sainz Jr. continued to shut the hole. Oscar Piastri joined the fray as effectively, and it regarded as if Ricciardo would want to squeeze each final little bit of efficiency out of his RB01 to carry on for fourth.
He did.
And because the Australian driver crossed the road, the whole crew celebrated, and you possibly can virtually hear the reduction from Ricciardo:
“I desire it on the entrance,” stated Ricciardo. “That was enjoyable. Thanks … thanks guys.”
As Ricciardo exited the storage and headed in direction of the media space, you possibly can once more see the reduction in his eyes, in addition to that trademark smile:
Talking with the media following the race, Ricciardo made fast point out of the fixed chatter about his future. “Qualifying was clearly nice, however to again it up over the course of a Dash race, that’s much more satisfying,” stated the driving force throughout his TV interviews. “It feels superb and good to additionally preserve a number of individuals quiet!”
The yr started with Ricciardo’s identify being talked about for a possible spot at Purple Bull alongside Max Verstappen subsequent season, with Pérez driving on an expiring contract. However a sluggish begin to the yr not solely raised questions on these prospects, however referred to as into query Ricciardo’s future within the sport. Anytime Ricciardo didn’t advance throughout qualifying, or was overtaken on the monitor, cameras would instantly lower to Liam Lawson, the looming specter of the younger driver hanging over Ricciardo’s current, and future.
However these digital camera cuts can wait.
As a result of that smile is again.
