Ricciardo 'really happy' as Vettel ends Red Bull career with pale result
Daniel Ricciardo was once more hailed by Red Bull team principal Christian Horner for his great drive to 4th following a start from the pitlane. Sebastian Vettel meanwhile rounded off his final race for Red Bull Racing with an 8th place finish.
Daniel Ricciardo, 4th: “Yeah really happy, I think it was pretty much a faultless race from all sides, from the strategy, to myself and the pit stops, everything was good so we did everything we needed to. I had fun passing, it wasn’t boring out there, so it was pretty much what I asked for. One spot better would have been nice, but fourth is really cool from the pit lane. It’s been pretty much a perfect season, as perfect as it can be without holding a world title, so no real regrets, no complaints. It’s nice to not only start the season well, but to finish it well also and I think all the way through it was good - we had a strong summer as well, so the start, middle and end were pretty good!”
Sebastian Vettel, 8th: “I felt there was more, but once I got stuck behind Kevin at the beginning it was quite tough, so I can’t be completely happy with today; when you race you want to finish as high up as you can and today I think we had the pace to finish higher. I think the last six years have been an incredible journey, obviously we didn’t expect that when we started working together – you can never expect four Driver titles and four Constructors’ Championships in a row. You get to know some people in a very good way and build friendships that will last a long time. You go through happy days and sad days, you go through them together and I think I learned a lot. I’d like to thank Red Bull and the Team for everything they did and I will miss them. I feel ready for the next step.”
Christian Horner, Team Principal: “A phenomenal drive from Daniel to drive from the pit lane to P4, an incredible recovery after the circumstances of Saturday, signing off a fantastic season for Daniel finishing third in the World Championship and an unbelievable year. For Sebastian P8 isn’t reflective of his time within the Team, four world championships, 38 grand prix victories, four Constructors’ World Championships and 44 pole positions. He’s been a fantastic team member he’s been an absolutely awesome competitor. He’s been a pleasure and delight to work with and we wish him well for the future; he’ll always be a friend of the Team. Finally congratulations to Lewis Hamilton on achieving his second world championship, he’s a very deserving winner after the season he’s put together and it’s fitting that he won.”
Thierry Salvi, Renault: “Fourth and eighth is a very good achievement for the team after starting from the pit-lane and again demonstrates just how strong the team is. It was the last race of a long season, we didn’t have any problems with the Power Units and were able to maximise them for the recovery. Dan’s drive was especially impressive and he really does deserve to be on the Championship podium after a season like that. But my last words must go to Seb, who was racing with us for the final time. Each team member will remember a special moment they spent with him and the success we've achieved together over the years. He’ll forever be an important part of Renault Sport F1’s grand prix history.”
