Daniel Ricciardo celebrates "pretty fun" race as Lando Norris secures another breakout podium

Daniel Ricciardo can certainly see the positive side of a race weekend that saw teammate Lando Norris once again elevated to the Formula 1 podium.

Daniel Ricciardo on the grid before the Austrian Grand Prix. (Motorsport Images/McLaren)

“It was a nice day for the team with a podium for Lando and getting into the points for me," said Ricciardo.

"That was good."

The shift marks a turnaround in the Australian's mood, having struggled to find his feet at the start of the season before a momentary power loss last week saw the team apologise to him after the race.

"I just had a pretty fun race," he said.

"It was busy, trying to attack and defend."

At one stage, Norris was fourth and Ricciardo fifth - what looked like the best possible result for the team before Norris overtook a struggling Hamilton, who had damage to his car.

"It’s one I could enjoy and take some fulfilment from."

"The defence was tough."

"I was trying everything I could, every trick in the book to stay ahead."

"I think I held on as long as I could and Sainz was just a bit quick at the end with a fresher tyre – but I can’t complain with the race and the result."

"A better day."

Lando Norris celebrates on the podium at the Red Bull Ring. (Motorsport Images/McLaren)

Max Verstappen won the race from pole, with Valtteri Bottas in second followed by Norris

"I'm extremely happy with today’s result," said Norris.

"Another podium and a lot of points for us as a team."

"A very good day."

Lando Norris takes home his third trophy of the 2021 season. (Motorsport Images/McLaren)

While both drivers seemed lost for words, Team Principal Andreas Seidl was able to describe just what the results meant to the team.

“What a performance today from Lando, Daniel and the entire team."

"P3 and P7 is an excellent result and continues the strong run we’ve had all the way through this triple-header."

"Everybody has contributed."

"A big thank you to every single member of the team here at the track, back home at the factory and our colleagues at Mercedes HPP for making this happen."

If it wasn't clear enough that McLaren's championship aim was to beat Ferrari, Seidl spelled it out.

“After a strong race here last week it was great to see that we could increase our performance again and be in a position to battle the top cars with Lando."

"I’m just as happy with Daniel’s performance today – he scrapped it out with the Ferraris, did a great job and scored more important points in our Constructors’ Championship battle."