RACE REPORT
It was the Maranello squads first one-two at
Monaco since 1999 and, poignantly, 50 years
after Ferrari driver Lorenzo Bandini perished
during the race at the Principality in 1967 .
Daniel Ricciardo also benefited, by staying
out longer than his main rivals, with the over-cut
and a series of scintillating laps which saw him
leap-frog Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas and
Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen during the
pit stop window, to claim third place when the
chequered flag waved.
Ricciardo reflected, “Happier for sure. In
qualy, we had so much to offer but we got our
chance today. I had the track to myself for a few
laps. Didn’t enjoy the clip of the barrier. I wasn’t
sure if i damaged anything. When you get
safety car, these tyres are like driving on ice.”
Bottas was fourth in what was a tough
weekend for the reigning world champions,
although Lewis Hamilton managed to achieve
some damage control by turning 13th on the
grid to seventh in the race.
The Briton told reporters. “I feel good. I feel
very positive. I am very happy. I came in to this
race a lot further back and had no idea what
was going to happen. The beginning of the race
was boring but when I got some clear air, it was
fun. The team said in the strategy meeting this
morning I could only get 10th so I am happy.
The gap to Vettel is big but not impossible to
close. This has been the most difficult weekend
I have had a while. I just have to let my guys
know we are not going to give up.”
“25 points is a long way but I am going to
work as hard as I can to make sure a weekend
like this is not repeated,” added Hamilton who
remains second in the championship standings.