Daniel Ricciardo takes "more confidence" into Silverstone after time away from F1
Daniel Ricciardo says his confidence in the McLaren F1 car has improved ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Daniel Ricciardo says he now has more confidence in his McLaren F1 car. (Motorsport Images/McLaren)
“After the three back-to-back races in France and Austria, I’ve taken the time to fully recharge my batteries, and spent some time at Goodwood driving Senna’s MP4-5B, which was just awesome."
Ricciardo was on-track for a positive result in the Styrian Grand Prix before a power failure cost him precious positions.
He says the more positive result in the Austrian Grand Prix, as well as time off, has helped change his mindset.
"I’m ready to go again at Silverstone and keep pushing after a more positive weekend in Austria where I gained a bit more confidence in the car."
"We just need to continue to make the steps to translate those improvements into lap-time, so we can challenge for good points.”
Formula 1 returns to the UK this weekend with full grandstands, as the Grand Prix serves as a test event as part of the country's plan to relax COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s going to be a special moment for us all as we get to see the fans back in those grandstands – it’s been a long time coming," said Ricciardo.
"We’ve slowly seen more and more fans back at track as the season has progressed and when it’s been safe to do so in certain countries."
"I think everyone has missed the noise and atmosphere that only the fans can provide."
Daniel Ricciardo at the Austrian Grand Prix. (Motorsport Images/McLaren)
The weekend will also play host to the inaugural F1 Sprint event, with qualifying to be decided in a shortened race format on Saturday.
“[It] will be an exciting challenge," said the Australian.
"It’ll be interesting to mix up the weekend and I’m sure it’ll provide plenty of opportunities to put us in a good position for the race on Sunday."
Lando Norris on the podium at the Austrian Grand Prix. (Motorsport Images/McLaren)
Teammate Lando Norris was on the podium in Austria and is eager to replicate the result at his home Grand Prix.
“Being on the podium for the third time this season was a great feeling."
"It was a well-deserved result for all the hard work the entire team has put in so far this year and during an intense triple-header."
"Hopefully, we can carry this energy into mine and the team’s home grand prix this weekend, although we need to be realistic in what we can achieve as Silverstone is a very different track."
"That being said, we’ll still be trying our hardest to score as many points as possible."
“Racing at Silverstone is always a special occasion with it being my home race."
The Brit was upbeat despite being mugged just days earlier in London.
"Welcoming back the British fans – in the safest way possible – will be amazing to see. I’ve missed them a lot especially doing two races there last year behind closed doors."
"Seeing the grandstands full and everything feeling a bit more normal is something I’m really looking forward to."
Norris shares Ricciardo's excitement for sprint qualifying, which should provide the midfield team good opportunities if the leaders choose more conservative strategies.
“It’s something new for everyone and should make for some close and exciting racing that I’m sure the fans will enjoy!”
