Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo took the final step of the podium at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, in what he described as a hard going race.
The Australian, who had switched to the soft tyre for his final stint, never really felt comfortable, with Sahara Force India F1 Team drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon on his tail for the majority of the grand prix, leaving him little room for error.
“It was tough out there today. When we put the softs on, I thought it’s a good thing to do to get to the end.
“(Sergio) Perez was on me for a bit and then there were a few laps when I was able to pull away. It looked like he was struggling but maybe he was just having a breather and then he had a second attack.
“I couldn’t afford any mistakes, especially in the last sector, because if they get the DRS and get a run it’s hard to keep them behind. I had to be close to perfect in terms of not making any errors but it wasn’t easy as the grip was low and the wind was crazy out there.”
Ricciardo admitted that the grand prix had been one of the hardest fought races he had taken part in, and upon seeing that finish line, he released a huge sigh of relief.
“Not the easiest third place but when I saw the chequered flag I was like: yes I can finally breathe.”
Now renowned the world over, many thought the shoey had been resigned to the back of the garage, but no one had bargained on the wonderful Patrick Stewart bringing it back out of retirement, least of all Ricciardo.
“I had zero intention of doing a shoey again, but the crowd was chanting and then Sir Patrick (Stewart) got involved so I thought: alright, we might be on here. I think it turned out pretty good.”
