Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes Daniel Ricciardo’s improved performances have flown under the radar as the Australian finished an impressive ninth at the Austrian Grand Prix.
It had been a week of turmoil for Ricciardo after Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko essentially declared RB needed to swap the Aussie for Liam Lawson to keep their shareholders happy.
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However, Ricciardo delivered a stunning drive under immense pressure to remind Red Bull’s powerbrokers why he still deserves a seat, with his ninth-place finish securing two points for RB.
The result continued Ricciardo’s improved form since Miami as he recorded his second finish inside the top ten in his last three races, having finished eighth at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Given Ricciardo’s status as one of the biggest names in the sport, Palmer pointed out the Aussie’s poor performances make him an easy target for a headline.
Although Palmer acknowledged Ricciardo had been “inconsistent” this season, he believes the RB star’s recent showings are worthy of more recognition.
“I think Ricciardo has been doing well,” Palmer told F1 TV.
“When you think back to Canada, he qualified fifth. Got some points even though he had a penalty.
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“It’s not long ago he had those Miami heroics in the sprint. Any time he doesn’t do well, it’s a headline now because he’s under pressure, but he’s actually been low key picking up some results recently. He’s very inconsistent, and we talk about him more when he’s down than when he’s having the good moments. Banking some points, beating Yuki this weekend, I think he’s doing his future some good right now.”
For Ricciardo, he was delighted with his display given what it could mean for his future in the sport, especially if RB decides to swap him with Lawson.
The timing of his ninth place finish couldn’t be better given how fresh Marko’s comments were and Ricciardo had hoped it gave the 81-year-old a reminder of what he’s still capable of.
“I’ve known obviously Helmut such a long time, and at the end of the day he doesn’t care about personality,” Ricciardo told Speedcafe.
“He goes about is the stopwatch and the classification. He’s a racer, and that’s all he really wants to see from us.
“That can make him not think great about me to all of a sudden think great about me.
“I think this weekend’s helped,” he continued.
“As I said, it’s a little bit more consistent now, so just keep it going and hopefully by the summer break he’s laying on a beach somewhere saying ‘Ricciardo, he’s still got it’.”
Ricciardo was all smiles after the race, but felt like he had to make one apology — to Pierre Gasly who finished 10th for Alpine.
“It was hard fought,” Ricciardo said.
“I semi apologised to Pierre after the race, ‘Sorry I couldn’t talk much today. I was pretty locked in’.
“It took a lot of concentration and effort. We got some points, bit of damage limitation. So it’s been a better weekend.”
The damage he was referring to was rival team Haas having both its drivers pick up championship points.
Gasly also made a light-hearted apology to Ricciardo.
“Sorry, I feel bad I pushed you so hard today, Daniel.” he said.
“But good job. Good job. It was not an easy car this weekend and you made the max of it, so you should be pleased with yourself.”