Horner lauds Ricciardo for “dynamite” pole lap

The Australian came out on top in a tense Q3 session around the streets of the principality to claim his maiden Formula 1 pole, beating nearest rival Nico Rosberg by 0.169s.

It is Red Bull’s first pole since the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, as well as the Milton Keynes-based team’s first at Monaco since 2012.

“It was an amazing performance,” Horner told Sky Sports. “That first lap, a 1m13.6s, mighty.

“We could see in Q2 when we took the supersofts, the harder of the two tyres, we took a bit of a gamble with that. But we felt it was worth a go.

“And then his first lap in Q3 was just dynamite. To be in the 1m13s around here, wow.

“He’s been driving beautifully all weekend. You’ve only got to look at the last sector, how clean he has been driving the car, and the laptimes just roll together for him.”

Uniquely among the Q3 runners, Ricciardo will start Sunday’s race on supersoft tyres, having used the harder rubber to set his best time in Q2.

Horner explained the decision to send Ricciardo out on supersofts, rather than the favoured ultrasofts, was designed to give the 26-year-old more options in the race.

“We felt the supersoft has a bit more range,” said Horner. “We thought if we can get on that tyre, it certainly gives you more strategic options.

"So I’m surprised no-one else opted for it. We gave it a go and it paid off.”