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Ricciardo denies his team are favourites going into Monaco

18:58, 23 May 2018

byMatt

Daniel Ricciardo doesn’t believe Red Bull are the favourites to win the Monaco Grand Prix and insists his rivals are trying to add pressure.

Red Bull have been given the favourites banner as a result of the characteristics of the track. Rather than relying on engine power alone, F1 cars at Monaco require high downforce and a solid chassis.

The Red Bull seemingly ticks all of these boxes, but Ricciardo claims this label is part of the mind games.

“They are also just trying to take a little bit of pressure off them and put it on us,” suggested Ricciardo.

“It is no secret that we are always pretty good around here. We weren’t good enough last year, but for sure previous years we have been.”

Ricciardo and Verstappen came 3rd and 5th respectively last season in Monte Carlo, and also picked up a podium in 2016. Despite this, Verstappen said the Austrian teams have made gains.

“There are no guarantees that we will be quickest,” he continued.

“I still say the DNA of our car is solid, and I do feel it is better than last year’s car.”