MIAMI– Long after the checkered flag flew in Miami, waning the F1 Sprint race here on Saturday, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team motorist Daniel Ricciardo was still in the television pen, speaking with every media outlet he could, while flashing his hallmark smile. With excellent factor. The wake of a frustrating start to the season lagged him, and the pledge of more vibrant days were on the horizon. Following the other day’s strong Sprint Qualifying efficiency, that saw Ricciardo complete in P4 and begin today’s F1 Sprint Race on the 2nd row, Ricciardo completed the task, putting 4th for his very first points of the season, and for the group’s finest outcome this year. And possibly silencing for a minute the reports about his F1 future. Early in the F1 Sprint Race Ricciardo rose into P3 for a minute, managing Red Bull chauffeur Sergio Pérez and putting himself in podium position. On the 5th lap Pérez returned the favor, slipping by Ricciardo and shuffling the VCARB chauffeur down into P4. As the Sprint Race endured, Ricciardo’s rear-view mirrors were filled with Ferrari red– and blue, this weekend– as Carlos Sainz Jr. continued to close the space. Oscar Piastri signed up with the fray also, and it appeared Ricciardo would require to squeeze every last little efficiency out of his RB01 to hang on for 4th. He did. And as the Australian motorist crossed the line, the whole group commemorated, and you might practically hear the remedy for Ricciardo: “I choose it at the front,” stated Ricciardo. “That was enjoyable. Thanks … thanks guys.” As Ricciardo left the garage and headed towards the media location, you might once again see the relief in his eyes, along with that hallmark smile: Speaking with the media following the race, Ricciardo made fast reference of the continuous chatter about his future. “Qualifying was clearly terrific, however to back it up throughout a Sprint race, that’s much more gratifying,” stated the motorist throughout his television interviews. “It feels great and great to likewise keep a couple of individuals peaceful!” The year started with Ricciardo’s name being discussed for a possible area at Red Bull along with Max Verstappen next season, with Pérez driving on an ending agreement. A sluggish start to the year not just raised concerns about those potential customers, however called into concern Ricciardo’s future in the sport. At any time Ricciardo stopped working to advance throughout certifying, or was surpassed on the track, video cameras would right away cut to Liam Lawson, the looming specter of the young motorist hanging over Ricciardo’s present, and future. Those electronic camera cuts can wait. Since that smile is back.
Miami Grand Prix 2024: Daniel Ricciardo’s minute in the sun
