While aware of the opportunity the Monaco GP represents, Daniel Ricciardo believes Mercedes are playing mind games by installing him and Red Bull as favourites.
The narrow, twisty streets of Monte Carlo mean, in theory, it should better suit the RB14 which is at its best under braking and through slow-speed corners while also negating the power deficit to Mercedes and Ferrari.
Indeed, the Australian claimed his one and only Formula 1 pole at this race in 2016 and is regarded as somewhat of a Monaco specialist but despite all that, doesn’t think the level of hype being placed on them is totally justified.
“I think they are trying to take a little pressure off them and put it on us,” he told Sky Sports after Lewis Hamilton previously stated Ricciardo would be “very hard” to beat.
“It’s no secret that we are always pretty good around here. I think it will be very close between us and particularly Ferrari, and we’ll see where Mercedes is.”
One area many look to for a possible indicator of Monaco performance is the final sector in Barcelona which shares many of the same characteristics of the street circuit.
And guess who was fastest there two weeks ago, yep it was Red Bull.
“Everyone will put everything on their car and that will minimise that advantage,” was Ricciardo’s response.
“That’s why I say there are no guarantees we will be quickest. But the DNA of our car solid and this year’s car is better than last year’s.”
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What the 28-year-old does admit, however, is Monaco does provide an enhanced feeling of expectation.
“I would love this feeling coming into every race that we genuinely have a chance to fight for the win,” he said. “I can’t wait to get on the circuit and push the car to the limit. Hopefully that will be enough.”
