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 Staff driver Daniel Ricciardo was nonetheless within the TV pen, speaking to each media outlet he might, whereas flashing his trademark smile.
With good cause.
The wake of a disappointing begin to the season was behind him, and the promise of brighter days had been on the horizon. Following yesterday’s robust Dash Qualifying efficiency, that noticed Ricciardo end in P4 and begin at the moment’s F1 Dash Race on the second row, Ricciardo completed the job, putting fourth for his first factors of the season, and for the staff’s finest end result this 12 months.
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 had been stuffed with Ferrari pink — and blue, this weekend — as Carlos Sainz Jr. continued to shut the hole. Oscar Piastri joined the fray as properly, and it seemed as if Ricciardo would wish 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 complete staff celebrated, and you can virtually hear the aid from Ricciardo:
“I desire it on the entrance,” mentioned Ricciardo. “That was enjoyable. Thanks … thanks guys.”
As Ricciardo exited the storage and headed in direction of the media space, you can once more see the aid in his eyes, in addition to that trademark smile:
The 12 months started with Ricciardo’s title being talked about for a possible spot at Purple Bull alongside Max Verstappen subsequent season, with Pérez driving on an expiring contract. However a gradual begin to the 12 months 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 observe, cameras would instantly reduce to Liam Lawson, the looming specter of the younger driver hanging over Ricciardo’s current, and future.
However these digicam cuts can wait.
As a result of that smile is again.
