Daniel Ricciardo quietly confident after best qualifying session of the year in Melbourne
Daniel Ricciardo is quietly confident in McLaren's potential for the Australian Grand Prix after his first appearance in Q3 this season.
Daniel Ricciardo on Saturday at the Australian Grand Prix. (McLaren Racing)
Teammate Lando Norris was fastest during some stages of FP3, and will start the grand prix on the second row after qualifying fourth.
It marks a resurgence for McLaren after a disappointing start in the opening two rounds of the 2022 Formula 1 season.
"I think it’s been a positive weekend so far," said Ricciardo.
"I've been really happy with the progress and the car has felt good, which I think shows."
"We had a strong qualifying, so that’s been good, and overall, I’m very pleased."
Daniel Ricciardo will start the grand prix in seventh after a strong performance.
"I think the only thing I’m a little bit sour about is the last run," said the Australian.
"I struggled on that last set of tyres but I’m not really sure why, so we’ll look into that."
"Other than that, it was a really good session."
"So, we’re in a good spot for tomorrow."
Daniel Ricciardo on track during qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix. (McLaren Racing)
Despite the uptick in competitiveness, Ricciardo is tentative to celebrate until McLaren can prove an upwards trend across upcoming events.
"I think we're getting there," Ricciardo told Sky Sports F1.
"I still don't know yet how much is track dependent."
"I do think this flowing nature still suits us at the moment."
"I knew we would get up there at some point, but probably didn't think it'd be by race 3 when you asked me back in Bahrain.
"We're making some good progress."
