Ricciardo hails "best third place"
Australian Daniel Ricciardo is celebrating the “best third place” of his career after claiming a well-taken podium finish in the British Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver, who turned 25 last Tuesday, produced another outstanding drive on Sunday to prove he is more than a worthy successor to his compatriot Mark Webber.
Lewis Hamilton repeated history after winning the British Grand Prix on the same day in 2014 that he claimed his first home win in 2008.
The 29-year-old Briton won his first on July 6, 2008, the same date on which he claimed his second exactly six years later.
The Mercedes driver, who went on to take the drivers championship in 2008, said: “I did not realise the date!“
He also referred to his problems on Saturday when he pulled out of his final qualifying lap and inadvertently gifted pole position to his German team-mate Nico Rosberg, the championship leader.
“I feel good! This is like the best third place I’ve ever got,” he said.
“I’m not normally ecstatic with a third, but I am today. I’m happy to redeem myself after yesterday (qualifying).”
Ricciardo said the car was not great, but was used well.
“It was good fun for the last 37 laps. I was only nervous for the last two laps when Jenson (Button) came charging.
“With three laps to go my tyres started going. I thought if he got DRS (drag reduction system) he would be vulnerable.
“We pitted quite early on the prime as we were quite slow. The pace seemed OK and we looked at our options.
“I said we could give it a go and go till the end. It does not always work out like that so we can all celebrate.”
