Daniel Ricciardo - "I've been a sandbagging s.o.b." after "insane" Italian GP victory ends McLaren duck

Ricciardo after the sprintrace at Monza — Photo: © LAT Images

Italian Grand Prix

Ricciardo - "I've been a sandbagging s.o.b." after "insane" Italian GP victory ends McLaren duck

Ricciardo took McLaren's first win in 170 races

Sam Hall

Sunday 12 September 2021 16:55

Daniel Ricciardo declared himself "lost for words" after securing an unexpected and astonishing Italian Grand Prix victory for McLaren.

Ricciardo led home team-mate Lando Norris after jumping pole-sitter Max Verstappen at the start, while McLaren's first win since Brazil 2012 was further aided by a shock crash involving Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

The team becomes the first to record a one-two finish this year with neither Red Bull nor Mercedes achieving the feat despite a combined 12 wins from 14 races.

"I've just been a sandbagging s.o.b. all year, that's all," joked a jubilant Ricciardo.

"I mean, thirds, fourths, fifths...you might as well just win so that's what I did.

Article continues under video

"Honestly, the August break was good just to reset. I felt better the last three weekends and to not only win but to get a one-two, it's insane.

"For McLaren to win is huge but to be one-two, this is for team papaya. I'm for once lost for words."

Despite championship combatants Hamilton and Verstappen colliding and taking each other out of the race, Ricciardo's win could not be put down to simply good fortune as McLaren showed pace all weekend.

"Oh wow! I mean obviously it worked well for me yesterday and I knew, to be honest, even if we got the start it was never a guarantee we would lead the whole race but I was able just to hold firm out front in the first stint," added Ricciardo.

"I don't think we had mega speed but it was enough to keep Max behind and then I don't know. There were safety cars, there was this and that but to lead literally from start to finish, I don't think any of us expected that.

"I don't know. There was something in me on Friday. I knew something good was to come, so let's just say that."