‘He’s Still Got It’: Ricciardo Impresses RB Boss with Strong Points Finish

Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes Daniel Ricciardo’s recent strong performances have gone largely unnoticed, particularly his impressive ninth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Ricciardo faced significant pressure after Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko suggested that the team should replace him with Liam Lawson to satisfy shareholders. Despite this, Ricciardo delivered an exceptional drive, securing two points for RB and showcasing his value to the team.

Ricciardo’s recent performance marked his second top-ten finish in three races, following his eighth-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix. Palmer noted that while Ricciardo has had inconsistent results, his recent form deserves more recognition.

“I think Ricciardo has been doing well,” Palmer told F1 TV. He highlighted Ricciardo’s strong qualifying in Canada and his ability to secure points despite a penalty. Palmer pointed out that Ricciardo’s performances are often scrutinized more harshly due to his high profile, but his recent results indicate an upward trend.

Ricciardo himself expressed satisfaction with his performance, especially given the timing of Marko’s critical comments. He hoped his ninth-place finish would remind Marko of his capabilities.

“I’ve known Helmut for a long time, and he cares about the stopwatch and the classification,” Ricciardo told Speedcafe. “This weekend’s performance helps show what I’m still capable of.”

Ricciardo was pleased with his race, despite apologizing to Pierre Gasly, who finished 10th, for being less communicative during the race due to his intense focus.

“It took a lot of concentration and effort. We got some points and limited the damage,” Ricciardo said, referring to Haas drivers also scoring points. Gasly light-heartedly apologized to Ricciardo for pushing him hard during the race, acknowledging Ricciardo’s strong performance.

This strong showing is a timely reminder of Ricciardo’s talent, reinforcing his potential value to Red Bull amidst ongoing speculation about his future.