Ricciardo primed for the Dutch GP: 'We're definitely in the fight'
F1 News
After a relaxing summer break away from the Formula 1 circus, Daniel Ricciardo is feeling rejuvenated and ready to return to racing action. Formula 1 gets back underway in Zandvoort this weekend after a three-week pause, and the Australian is hoping to build on a positive last few races. 'The Honey Badger' also reflected on a difficult moment for him at Zandvoort last year, as he broke his hand in a crash over the Dutch GP weekend in 2023.
Ricciardo's performances in his VCARB 01 have been steady. His best result of the season was an impressive P4 in the Miami GP sprint race. The eight-time Grand Prix winner has still been outscored by younger teammate Yuki Tsunoda 22 to 12 over the first 14 races, however.
“It’s been a great summer break. I got back to Australia to see some friends and family, so I’m feeling recharged, fit and healthy," Ricciardo began.
Ricciardo: 'Zandvoort is where my year turned upside down'
"I’m looking forward to getting back to Zandvoort. Obviously, last year it’s where my year turned upside down, but until the accident with Oscar, I was really enjoying the circuit, the car was great around there," he revealed. Ricciardo replaced an underperforming Nyck De Vries at the then-Alpha Tauri after the British Grand Prix last year. Ricciardo impressed in his first few races but didn't manage to score a point before his accident in Zandvoort, where he broke his hand after following fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri into the barriers at the banked turn three. He was replaced by Liam Lawson while his hand recuperated for five races. The Kiwi also impressed, scoring two points in Singapore, but is yet to find a full-time seat on the Formula 1 grid.
"I’m confident we can continue where we left off before the break, our momentum was strong and we’re definitely in the fight for some points,” Ricciardo concluded. VCARB sit seven points in front of Haas in sixth place and will be looking to grow their lead over the American outfit this weekend in Zandvoort.
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