‘Freakin’ Pumped’ – Daniel Ricciardo Reveals Emotions After McLaren F1’s 1–2 Finish

After having not won a Grand Prix since 2018, Daniel Ricciardo proved his doubters wrong at the Italian Grand Prix by taking the chequered flag. However, he was happier for the team as they achieved a one-two finish courtesy of Lando Norris.

The Australian was well aware that McLaren hadn’t won a race in a long time. So winning in such a manner in Monza, got him over the moon. He knows the team was ecstatic too, as after a prolonged period, they had finally achieved this feat.

Daniel Ricciardo extremely pleased for McLaren after the sensational finish in Monza

The 32-year-old was overjoyed with himself after grabbing a much-needed win for the team. But what makes things even better is that he had Norris to give him company on the podium as he crossed the line in second place.

As quoted by McLaren’s website, Daniel said, “It feels awesome to end the drought for the team, especially after the year I’ve had. And, obviously, I’m glad I was the guy to get the win. That’s just the competitor in me. You want to be the guy that everyone’s patting on the back and it certainly hadn’t been me for the majority of this year. So, to then just tick that big box, that felt really nice.

“When I look back at it though, the win was insane but just as insane was the one-two; seeing Lando there, knowing that the whole team is going to be stoked. It’s not like one car won and the other car crashed, leaving the team with mixed emotions. I knew everyone was just gonna be freakin’ pumped.”

“Obviously, I knew Lando was second but when I saw him there in parc fermé, alongside me, it felt so good. We gave each other a hug and I think all I said to him was, “Did we just get a one-two?!” I think that’s what I said. I remember hitting him on the helmet and was like, “The team must be so happy right now,” Ricciardo concluded.

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Is Daniel on the rise at McLaren?

It is no secret that Ricciardo had a poor start at McLaren; failing to get results for the team. However, at the Italian GP, Ricciardo had proved to those who had questioned his skills wrong.

The Australian grabbed his first win with McLaren this season, his eighth in Formula One. After having success with the team last race weekend, Ricciardo is hoping to grab another spectacular result at the upcoming Russian Grand Prix in Sochi.

What are your expectations for the Honeybadger for this weekend in Russia? Let us know in the comments below.

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