Ricciardo hopes to channel Canada ANGER in hunt for F1 seat

Daniel Ricciardo is keen to retain his Canada demeanour after securing his first grand prix points of the season.

The Australian has been comfortably out-performed by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda at Visa Cash App RB throughout an inconsistent 2024 campaign.

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Before Canada, Ricciardo's only points came from the Miami sprint, whereas Tsunoda has racked up 19 in 2024. However, the Japanese driver spun out the points in Canada, where Ricciardo had outqualified him for just the second time this campaign.

The 34-year-old's P5 grid slot was a timely return to form, especially with the brutal criticism aimed at him by former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve.

Is Daniel Ricciardo back?

Ricciardo still trails Tsunoda by 10 points and two places in the drivers' standings, but is determined to make sure his performance in Canada is not a false dawn.

"I've just got to keep it rolling," he told Motorsport.com. "That little energy, probably a little bit of a chip on my shoulder I brought into the weekend, I've got to make sure that that stays there, and just keep that level of intensity.

"I don't know if it's the need to be a bit angry or just get my testosterone up, but I think it helps me."

Ricciardo has only had sparks of brilliance since leaving Renault in 2020, such as his win in Monza for McLaren and his defence of P4 in the Miami sprint. He is hoping things will be more permanent this time around.

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"There is certainly some hope that it is [a turning point]," he added. "Obviously, I've got to repeat it and back it up to prove it.

"But I'm definitely happy with some things that I've acknowledged since Monaco, and it's no coincidence that this weekend went a bit smoother.

"It's just making sure that we keep tapping into it and that I'm holding myself accountable, not getting too relaxed and happy-go-lucky. Making sure I keep that edge about me."

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