‘Full attack’ Ricciardo dreaming of Monza win
Daniel Ricciardo gestures to Max Verstappen as the McLaren driver and the Red Bull driver explain their actions during the sprint qualifying. Italy September 2021.
Starting Sunday’s Italian GP from the front of the grid, Daniel Ricciardo will go “full attack” to make his dream of winning with McLaren a reality.
The Aussie crossed the line in third place in Saturday afternoon’s sprint qualifying at the Temple of Speed but will climb to second on the grid due to Valtteri Bottas’s engine penalty.
It is Ricciard’s first front row grid slot since the 2018 Mexican Grand Prix, and his first for a team other than Red Bull.
He’ll start the race alongside his former Red Bull team-mate Max Verstapen.
But while Verstappen is the favourite to take the win, that doesn’t mean Ricciardo can’t dream.
“I’ll probably dream a little bit about it but I’m ready to make that (a win) a reality for sure,” the McLaren driver told FoxSport.
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Front row of the grid in the #ItalianGP for our man, @DanielRicciardo! 🙌
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 11, 2021
Ricciardo’s P2 on the grid marks McLaren’s best starting position since Brazil 2012, which was also the last grand prix that the Woking team won.
“For McLaren it’s been a long time, for me it’s been a long time,” Ricciardo said to the official F1 website. “It’s definitely refreshing to be back up here and yes, we’re close.
“I know a few things might have to swing in our favour – and we’ll certainly put ourselves in the fight, in the hunt.
“I’m hungry. I’m hungry. Anybody who saw me after qualifying, I think they’re not surprised about this outcome.”
The Aussie has vowed to go “full attack” at the start of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix.
“Full attack, full attack sicuramente [surely], full attack!”
“Yes, I mean, today that’s what gave me a chance – a good start. I thought maybe I’d get Max [Verstappen] in Turn 1 but he had the inside.
“I look forward to the race.”
Ricciardo has yet to reach the podium as a McLaren driver, his best result with his new team a P4 at the Belgian Grand Prix.
