Australian Formula 1 ace Daniel Ricciardo won his first Grand Prix race in Montreal on Monday (AEST), giving the Australian sporting public a new hero to worship over the next decade.
The Perth born 24-year-old made his F1 debut with Red Bull in 2009, but he has had to bide his time until a permanent position was available. He was finally given his chance following the retirement of fellow Australian Mark Webber at the end of last season.
Ricciardo’s drive stunned many, including his own Red Bull team, much to the delight of the Montreal crowd at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
The immensely likeable Ricciardo had an ear to ear grin that was irreplaceable, his mood defined by his comments that he was “still a bit in shock” and “this is ridiculous”.
Also in shock was the Mercedes racing team who could not quite believe their misfortune as the runaway leaders of 2014 finally faltered.
With four laps to go Ricciardo muscled past Mexican Sergio Perez at turn one and set after Germany’s Nico Rosberg from Mercedes. With two laps to go he made the move that his superlative start to his Red Bull career has deserved.
On the final lap, all of Brazilian Philip Massa’s and Perez’s good work was undone. The Brazilian, caught unaware by issues with the Mexican’s brakes, ploughed into the side of the Force India driver. The safety car was out and the race was done. Red Bull and Ricciardo were ecstatic – everyone watching needed a lie down.
It was a sensational end to a race that was full of incident and tension as Mercedes’ early season domination of Formula 1 came to an end in the most remarkable circumstances.
Ricciardo had started the race in sixth position, three places behind teammate Sebastian Vettel.
Red Bull’s re-signed designer Adrian Newey said of Ricciardo: “Daniel is an amazing young man. What impresses me most is how calming he is when he comes on the team radio. We were a bit lucky today in truth but we were there and ready.
Aussie racing fans can’t wait until Ricciardo’s next opportunity to pit his wits against Formula 1’s elite.
