Breaking news
Formula 1 Brazilian GP
Ricciardo not bitter over "impressive" Red Bull-Honda surge
Daniel Ricciardo insists he feels happy rather than bitter over the ‘impressive’ form of Red Bull-Honda in Brazil, as former teammate Max Verstappen took another pole position.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Nov 19, 2019, 4:55 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The gains that Honda has made with its powerunit became clear at Interlagos on Saturday as Red Bull’s strong pace on the straights and strengths in the corner secured Verstappen the top spot on the grid.
And while Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull at the end of last year has prompted questions all year about if there were any regrets, the Renault driver says he is actually happy his former outfit is doing well.
Asked by Motorsport.com if Honda’s form in Brazil had surprised him, he said: “Yeah, I was impressed with that.
“I just watched Max's lap probably five minutes ago and that's definitely a good lap. I've been with Max for three years so I know he's capable of putting a car on pole, but I think to have that pace - I mean it's a downforce but it's also a power circuit – was impressive.
“So they certainly found something. Hats off to them. And actually hand on heart, some people are like, 'ahh, he's probably bitter a Red Bull got on pole' but I think it's great.
“I want to see more teams fight for it. The last few races has been Mercedes or Ferrari on pole, so with Red Bull it's good.
“Now obviously it's our job to get up there, but I'm glad that it's now a three way fight.”
Read Also:
Ricciardo does think, however, that one factor that appears to favour Red Bull is tracks at altitude – with Brazil one of three circuits that takes place at higher venues.
“There is a trend with the Red Bull and I guess you know having a good aero package, they do seem better you know with these high altitude places,” he said.
“Look at Mexico. The last few years have always been strong here as well. And Austria.
“So, for sure the Honda, they've made progress, but it seems the car is certainly working better. When maybe the others lose more, Red Bull can hang on to some of the downforce. I'll give Adrian [Newey] a call tonight!”
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Ferrari insists it changed "nothing" on its F1 engine
Next article Brazilian GP: Verstappen wins from Gasly after crazy finish
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Daniel Ricciardo
Why Daniel Ricciardo is staying away from the F1 paddock
Formula 1
Formula 1
Why Daniel Ricciardo is staying away from the F1 paddock
Why Daniel Ricciardo would consider a comeback at Le Mans
WEC
WEC
Why Daniel Ricciardo would consider a comeback at Le Mans
Does Daniel Ricciardo regret leaving Red Bull for Renault?
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Does Daniel Ricciardo regret leaving Red Bull for Renault?
More from
Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen "needs to understand what happened" after "night and day" F1 comeback in Brazilian GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
9 h
Max Verstappen "needs to understand what happened" after "night and day" F1 comeback in Brazilian GP
‘I’ll try to win, somehow’ – Can Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen fight back for F1 Brazilian GP victory?
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
17 h
‘I’ll try to win, somehow’ – Can Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen fight back for F1 Brazilian GP victory?
Latest news
WEC drivers question lack of full-course yellow after heavy Monza crash
WEC
WEC WEC
Monza
13 min
WEC drivers question lack of full-course yellow after heavy Monza crash
Kyle Larson, Cliff Daniels and the Hendrick 5 are who we say they are
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
2 h
Kyle Larson, Cliff Daniels and the Hendrick 5 are who we say they are
Final NASCAR Cup points standings after 2026 Homestead finale
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
6 h
Final NASCAR Cup points standings after 2026 Homestead finale
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe