In the days leading up to F1’s jewel in the crown, the Monaco Grand Prix, “driver confidence” has become an emerging theme. With Saturday’s qualifying looming and the high barriers of the narrow Monte Carlo circuit, Monaco is the race where drivers can truly make the difference. And the more confident the drivers are when practice begins on Friday, the better the chances of a quality result.
With that in mind, the Visa Cash App RB F1 team must be feeling pretty confident about their chances.
Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda exuded an air of confidence in their team’s media coverage before taking to the track for the Monaco Grand Prix.
“I’ve scored points in the last two races, three races including the Miami Sprint, so I’m generally confident about this weekend,” Tsunoda said. “Monaco is a challenging and very exciting track, which always makes qualifying special. In fact, last year I reached Q3 for the first time on this track, so I’m hoping to do the same this weekend. It would be great if we can move on and get some points on Sunday.”
“I think the team is in good shape. Since Miami, our performance, stability and competitiveness have improved, so we have no worries,” Tsunoda continued. “Our focus will be on getting even more performance out of the car, especially on Saturday afternoon, but I’m confident we can perform well again this weekend as it’s the first part of the race where grid position is very important.”
For Ricciardo, whose last F1 victory was at the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix, a return to Monaco is both a celebration and a chance to really enjoy the sport.
“First of all, I’m very excited to be racing again in Monaco, which I couldn’t compete in last year. It’s one of those places like no other and there’s a very special feeling,” said Ricciardo. This is a circuit where the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car is never taken for granted. Looking back, I have so many fond memories of this place and I can’t wait to see what we can do here this weekend.
“In terms of performance, we are more consistent with the car, which is important heading into Monaco. We were able to advance to the 2018 season, which is a good sign,” Ricciardo continued. “If I can have a clean weekend and repeat that, I should be in good shape come Sunday. Off the track, it’s a big event and the whole show, but I’m really just focused on driving. . Let’s go, Viva Monaco!
The team goes into the Monaco Grand Prix in sixth place in the constructors’ championship, 13 points behind seventh-placed Haas. But with VCARB trailing Aston Martin by just 24 points, their eyes may be trained further ahead than they are. If their confidence is rewarded with a strong weekend, they could make up a significant deficit on the streets of Monte Carlo.
