Daniel Ricciardo: Red Bull star speaks out after stunning Chinese Grand Prix win
DANIEL RICCIARDO produced a stunning performance to take the Chinese Grand Prix from Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas.
Daniel Ricciardo produced a sublime performance in Shanghai
The Red Bull star started the race in sixth-position in what had been a week to forget for the Milton Keynes outfit.
Ricciardo and team-mate Max Verstappen failed to finish the Bahrain Grand Prix last time out, and the Australian almost didn't make it out in qualifying on Saturday.
The 29-year-old suffered a severe engine failure during the third practice session, which forced his garage to work extra hard to ensure he made it out for Q1.
Ricciardo eventually left the pit lane with three minutes remaining.
But it was a totally different story this morning.
Ricciardo's stunning overtaking ability, coupled with fresh tyres and a well-timed safety car, saw him land the sixth win of his career.
Daniel Ricciardo overtakes Sebastian Vettel on his way to victory
Sometimes you have got to lick the stamp and send it
"24 hours ago I thought I would be at the back of the grid so firstly thanks the boys, today is the real reward for that work," he said.
"It was hectic I heard about the safety car in turn 14 and they said come in.
"It all happened quickly.
"It was decisive and I got the win."
Ricciardo's sublime overtake of Lewis Hamilton from a long way back was key to his victory in Shanghai.
Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Bottas also fell victim to some spectacular manoeuvres.
And if it wasn't already obvious, Ricciardo was clearly confident when out on the track.
"Sometimes you have got to lick the stamp and send it," he added.
"We had the soft tyre so knew I could get more out of the breaking."