Formula 1’s Managing Director of Motorsport Ross Brawn has likened Daniel Ricciardo to a skilful centre forward, in the wake of the Red Bull driver’s Chinese Grand Prix win.
Ricciardo held sixth position during the Safety Car phase at Shanghai but carved his way forward, equipped with fresher and softer tyres than his direct opponents.
Ricciardo picked off Kimi Raikkonen, out-braked Lewis Hamilton into the Turn 14 hairpin, breezed past Sebastian Vettel along the backstraight, and grabbed the lead from Valtteri Bottas into Turn 6.
The charge earned Ricciardo widespread plaudits and Brawn added his voice to praise of the Australian – and reckons Max Verstappen can learn from his team-mate.
Verstappen had been in front of Ricciardo at the restart but went wide while battling Hamilton before making contact with Vettel, for which he received a time penalty.
“Once again, Daniel demonstrated an uncanny ability to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way during a Grand Prix,” said Brawn.
“Indeed, all six of his Formula 1 wins have come in races in which he has started fourth or lower.
“His perfect timing and overtaking skills really are impressive. Daniel is like a centre forward with incredible ball control.
“When defenders come up against him they simply don't know what to expect.
“In Shanghai, the level of his skill was even clearer to see as it was contrasted by team-mate Verstappen, who let slip what looked like a sure-fire win.
“Max simply got his timing wrong when it came to attacking Hamilton and then again with Vettel.
“However, we shouldn't forget that Max is still only 20 years old. There's a lot about the art of overtaking he could learn from a team-mate such as Daniel.”
Brawn also praised Red Bull for its race-winning tactic when the Safety Car was deployed, comparing it favourably to the “prescriptive” approach adopted by Mercedes.
“Red Bull called in both its drivers for a second stop, double stacked, taking a gamble, which the other two teams fighting for the lead were not prepared to do,” said Brawn.
“It seems in this early part of the season that Mercedes is sticking to a more prescriptive approach when it comes to managing the race.
“Red Bull, on the other hand, seems to have a more flexible approach to race management, and it definitely helps having two drivers like Ricciardo and Verstappen who are willing to buy into and adapt to their team's quick-thinking approach.”
