Daniel Ricciardo says Red Bull will have a “very strong” car for Sunday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix but is wary of their rivals’ potential in qualifying.
The Chinese Grand Prix winner headed the second practice session in Baku but believes the team’s closest rivals have one-lap performance in hand and will be a serious threat in qualifying.“We were quick today,” he said. “The ultra-soft long run we could have been better but super-soft was good. I think we’re pretty confident.
“Qualifying, I’m still not sure how much the others can go quicker. But even if we don’t qualify on the front row we’ll still have a very strong race car. We’re still in the group of favourites.”
Ricciardo said Ferrari and Mercedes are likely to be stronger on the long straights in sectors one and three tomorrow but expects his car to make up ground in the middle of the lap.
“I certainly feel like I’m up there, I feel like I’m driving good and I felt comfortable out there today. That’s the important thing with a street circuit, you want that comfort in yourself and the car. I didn’t really have any scares today. The balance was pretty normal, pretty good.
“Generally it’s a low-grip circuit so you never expect a perfect car here but for the conditions I was pretty happy with it. We’ll just roll on with this tomorrow and Sunday. Only thing that’s going to make the car feel worse is the wind, it gets pretty aggressive over the next two days. But that’s the same for everyone.”
2018 F1 season
- Honda’s jet division helped F1 engineers solve power unit problem
- McLaren Racing losses rise after Honda split
- Ricciardo: Baku “s***show” was Red Bull’s fault
- “Drive to Survive Episode 1: All to Play For” reviewed
- F1’s television and social media audiences rose last year
Mark
27th April 2018, 16:51
Does this dude ever shut up? sheesh… and come sunday they will more than likely be 5th and 6th unless there is some major mishap with Ferrari and Mercedes…..
Zad (@)
27th April 2018, 17:06
i don’t think he’s talking more than should be expected after being fastest in practice. doesn’t even mention that he’s the best asset on the contract market by a mile.
Rockie (@rockie)
27th April 2018, 17:31
Lol.
The same guy who only the impetuousness of Max has helped him out this season.
dubsix (@dubsix)
27th April 2018, 17:10
You new to F1? After sessions reports ask questions and drivers answer them, nothing usual with his comments, maybe you need to look inward why his comments bother you?
Homerlovesbeer (@homerlovesbeer)
27th April 2018, 23:00
@Mark What’s your problem mate? Why lay into Dan for answering questions he’s been asked? Very very odd behavior from you.
I do hope Redbull
Brian (@flyinglapct)
28th April 2018, 4:15
The RB guys do seem to talk too much. I think it’s more likely that their comments are just published more often than others.
bogaaaa (@nosehair)
28th April 2018, 4:22
I might be wrong l cannot remember Ric locking a brake or aborting a turn in p1 or p2?
bogaaaa (@nosehair)
28th April 2018, 4:39
Mark what is your issue with the best and most likeable driver on the grid?
Nitzo (@webtel)
28th April 2018, 12:46
@Mark
He is answering questions posed by the media, just like anyone else would.
Shutting up certainly won’t help.
Strontium (@strontium)
29th April 2018, 18:54
…or of course, a major mishap with themselves
mmertens
27th April 2018, 17:56
And I think he gave a pretty honest assessment as well, as always.