Monaco Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel claim made about Daniel Ricciardo
SKY SPORTS pundit Martin Brundle thinks Daniel Ricciardo has proved he is of the same quality of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel - despite never winning a world championship.
Hamilton and Vettel have four world titles apiece and head up this year's Drivers’ Championship.
Red Bull’s Ricciardo has really come of age this term and he starts this afternoon’s Monaco Grand Prix from pole position.
The Australian set the fastest ever lap time in Monte Carlo during qualifying and looks on course to win his second race of the season.
And Brundle has hailed Ricciardo and backed him to now kick on and challenge for the top honours - starting in Monaco.
He's certainly of that ilk now, and you've got to include him in those conversations when you're talking about who's the best driver on the grid
"He's certainly of that ilk now, and you've got to include him in those conversations when you're talking about who's the best driver on the grid," says Brundle.
"He's the best overtaker on the grid, bar none, and by some margin I would say.
“He's delivering the pace and he probably hasn't had as many pole positions as he would have liked and deserved, but he's never had a dominant car in qualifying.
"He stays out of trouble in the race, and he's the real deal.
“This track owes him a victory."
Ricciardo is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave to join either Mercedes or Ferrari.
But Red Bull chief Christian Horner is keen to keep him - but first he must produce a car capable of winning the world championship.