Daniel Ricciardo says that his season so far “couldn’t have gone better” as he stormed to his third career victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, following the second lap contact between the Mercedes drivers.
Ricciardo started the race from fifth position but moved ahead of Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, before passing Nico Rosberg through the pit-stop phase.
Ricciardo hung on in the closing stages despite Rosberg’s pace on Option tyres to take the chequered flag.
“There was a bit of pressure, it probably looked a bit easier because I had the lead early on and I just kept it,” he said.
“We couldn’t really rest though because I knew Nico would be quick at the end but we held on and it was nice to taste the champagne again.”
Ricciardo believes that he needs to be in the frame should the Mercedes pair slip up again.
“It couldn’t have gone better considering everything that’s happened, especially during pre season,” he said.
“It’s been awesome and I have enjoyed every moment of it. Monza will be challenging but if Mercedes slip up then we will be there to capitalise.”
