Daniel Ricciardo says Red Bull’s updates “have come to life” during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend.
Having looked very competitive over a long run on Friday, Ricciardo was quick in qualifying and lost out to Sebastian Vettel by just 0.035s in the fight for third place. While Ricciardo admits the track characteristics suit Red Bull more, he also says the car is performing better itself.
“The circuit here helps us,” Ricciardo said. “I really feel the updates have come to life a bit more here, using maximum downforce. This circuit is a strength of ours but I do feel after yesterday morning when we left the garage the car felt more together and I think I had more confidence in it. I was able to lean on I more, feel it over the bumps, so it is showing signs of progress.”
– Webber: Ricciardo has some decisions to make
– Wolff: Grand Prix to return to Germany in 2016
– F1I: New Force India have potential in second half of F1 season
And Ricciardo is confident Red Bull has the ability to fight Ferrari in race trim despite having yet to score a podium so far this season.
“I think Ferrari we can challenge. I was aware I got fourth in qualifying [in 2014] and then won. I think Ferrari can be a genuine challenge tomorrow. Even if they are a bit quicker, we have a new set options if it is a two-stop race and that might just put us back in the fight. We have a few things that can work to our advantage.”