Monaco Grand Prix: Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo ‘confident’ at F1’s crown jewel

In the days leading up to Formula 1’s crown jewel, the Monaco Grand Prix, “driver confidence” has been an emerging theme. With qualifying on Saturday looming large — as well as the barriers on the narrow Monte Carlo circuit — Monaco is a race where the driver can truly made a difference. And the more confident the driver is when practices begin on Friday, the greater the chance at a quality result.

Given that, Visa Cash App RB F1 Team must feel pretty good about their chances.

Both Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda provided an air of confidence in the team’s media report, prior to taking to the track for the Monaco Grand Prix.

“I’m feeling generally confident about this weekend, having scored points in the last two races, three if you count the Miami Sprint,” offered Tsunoda. “Monaco is a challenging and very exciting track where qualifying is always special. In fact, last year was the first time I made it through to Q3 on this track so I hope I can do the same again this weekend. It would be amazing if I could go on from there to score points on Sunday.

“I think the team is in good shape; our performance, consistency and competitiveness have improved from Miami onwards, so I don’t have any worries,” continued Tsunoda. “Our focus is on extracting even more performance from the car, especially on Saturday afternoon, which is really the first part of the race itself as grid position is so important, and I believe we’ll be able to perform well again this weekend.”

For Ricciardo, who counts a win in the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix among his F1 victories, returning to Monaco is a blessing, and a chance to truly enjoy the sport.

“Firstly, I’m so excited to be able to race in Monaco again, having had to miss it last year. It’s one of those places that is just different, it has such a special feeling,” described Ricciardo. It’s a track where the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car is something you can never take for granted. Looking back, I’ve got a lot of good memories of this place and I’m excited to see what I can do around here this weekend.

“In terms of our performance, we are getting more consistent with the car and that is important coming into Monaco. Your race result here really depends on qualifying and last time out in Imola we got both cars into Q3 for the first time this year, which is a good sign,” continued Ricciardo. “If we have a clean weekend and can repeat that, we should be in good shape for Sunday. Away from the track, it’s a big event and a whole show but I’m really just focussed on the driving. Viva Monaco, let’s go!”

The team enters the Monaco Grand Prix sitting sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, 13 points clear of seventh-place Haas. However, their eyes are likely trained ahead of them, as VCARB trails Aston Martin by just 24 points. If their confidence is rewarded with a strong weekend, they can make a major dent in that deficit on the Monte Carlo streets.