Australian only non-Mercedes driver to win a race this season
Saturday 29 November 2014 15:43, UK
Daniel Ricciardo admits winning three races was beyond his expectations after Red Bull’s pre-season testing woes.
After four years of dominance the team struggled to get the RB10 to even complete a lap across the three tests as they battled overheating problems and only Marussia and Lotus completed fewer miles.
Red Bull finished the final day of testing ninth quickest of the 12 runners, yet bounced back in dramatic fashion as Ricciardo qualified on the front-row in Australia.
“During winter testing I wasn’t expecting to see many chequered flags, in any position,” the Australian told Sky Sports F1.
“Before the season and before the winter testing Red Bull had had a dominant season in 2013 so I was like ‘okay if they have that same race car I fancy a top step’.
“But how it has panned out and to get three [wins] and be the only driver other than Lewis and Nico [to win] exceeded expectations definitely.”
The first of Ricciardo’s three wins came when both the Silver Arrows had reliability problems in Canada, but he feels he also beat them outright in Hungary.
“We knew how strong they [Mercedes] where heading into the season, so the plan was just to be there and if they were having some issues or some scraps then it was to be the next guy and make sure you capitalise,” he said.
“But Budapest I think was pretty fair and square, I think the first Safety Car helped me out, but then after that it was still race on.”
In his first season with the team Ricciardo comprehensively outperformed Sebastian Vettel, winning the qualifying head-to-head 12-7 and finishing ahead of the German 14 times to five in the races.
“At the start of the season I said if I can be here at the end of the season saying that I gave the four-time champ a run for his money then that is what I wanted,” the 25-year-old said.
“I think I gave him a very good run for his money so I am really pleased with that. I am not going to get complacent by any means, it has served me well and it is confidence to keep building on.”
