Renault ran a brilliant race in Belgium this weekend. Daniel Ricciardo finished behind Max Verstappen, one place short of a podium finish. Even though the results were fabulous, Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul was quite nervous.
The reason behind the Frenchman’s apprehension? A wager between Ricciardo and Cyril.
The bet between them is regarding a podium finish and a tattoo. If Ricciardo manages to clinch a podium finish before the end of this season, both of them will be getting matching tattoos. While Cyril gets to select the location, Ricciardo is free to choose the design.
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“I wouldn’t be cruel and get him like a rubber duck or something. I’ll get him, I think, something so it’s a good memory, so I guess maybe the destination where the podium happens.
“So something to do with that, whether it’s that circuit or that city in that country. We’ll see,” he stated. “I saw some mock ups of the Tyson face tat on Cyril.
“So something to do with that, whether it’s that circuit or that city in that country. We’ll see. Or a shoe maybe, a shoey. We will cross that bridge when we get there, but I am sure I will be flooded with ideas.”
However, Ricciardo’s performance in the Spa definitely sets him up in the running for a podium finish in the following races. Ricciardo believes that Monza is where he will break the deadlock. The same prospect is not lost to the 42-year-old, thereby making him more jittery.
“I think pretty nervous. I’ve just seen him now. I told him to stay alert over the next seven days”, Ricciardo stated.
Daniel Ricciardo missed the podium by a whisker
Ricciardo claims he was already giving Max a run for his money. However, he lost considerable time behind Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez. It seems that Max saved the day for Cyril, at least for the time being.
Monza would be a tough race, and even Ricciardo admits that. However, the spectacular show in Belgium would push them towards greater heights.
“At least last year, Monza was an even stronger circuit for us: and if we are stronger there’s only a podium in front of us. I’m not getting ahead of myself, or the team isn’t, but I think we can go to Monza with confidence and aim high.”
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Daniel Ricciardo ahead in Monza
Ricciardo would be looking forward to the Italian track. Keeping aside his bet with Cyril, he’d be focussing on a podium finish to notch up some hefty points.
Mercedes have been riding high and overthrowing them seems like a distant dream. However, Ferrari’s struggles have lent a helping hand to Renault’s claim to the podium.
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Therefore, the Boulogne-Billancourt based outfit will be presented with a golden opportunity to take the podium at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, consequently setting Cyril up for a visit to the tattoo parlor.
What print would you like the honey-badger to immortalise on his boss’ body? Let us know!