Ricciardo: ‘Bumps along the way’ make Monza F1 win “even sweeter”

Ricciardo claimed McLaren’s first victory since 2012, with teammate Lando Norris finishing second to secure the team’s first 1-2 finish in over 11 years.

His life was made easier when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided on Lap 26, but Ricciardo was already in the net lead of the racing having got past the Red Bull driver on the opening lap.

Reflecting on his first victory since 2018, he said: “I don’t think it’s actually sunk in yet. It’s actually probably the first time I’ve been overwhelmed by winning. I think as well it’s been over three years or something.

“Not that this affects me but… I just know that no one would have predicted this, this year especially after the first half of the year. It’s easy to lose confidence and lose your way. I think that’s just when perspective and everything comes to fruition and knowing deep within yourself that it can happen and just never doubt yourself.

“I think f you truly love something and believe in it, never doubt yourself. Some of the speed bumps along the way make moments like this even sweeter.”

Since moving McLaren for 2020, Ricciardo has struggled considerably relative to teammate Norris.

Before this weekend, Ricciardo had scored just 50 per cent of Norris’ points in the championship standings.

He admitted that he’s enjoyed trying to refind his form this season.

“I am not just saying it because I am here today soaking in the glory, Ricciardo added. “It’s been, at times, the most challenging year for me. Not that I have shied away from that, if anything, I’ve enjoyed the adversity and the feelings that I’ve had internally because it’s made me understand who I am a bit more as a person and as a competitor.

“I definitely embraced it but for sure there have definitely been some low points and then you have on top of that not seeing Mum and Dad for over a year. I am very close to family, I am a very affectionate person and sometimes there’s nothing you want more than a cuddle from mum and dad and a pat on the back. That’s made the hard days harder but it also helped me get to this point.”