Daniel Ricciardo believes his Red Bull has a genuine chance at victory in this weekend’s Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.
The confines of the Principality have traditionally suited the design philosophy adopted by Red Bull, with the team winning the event on three consecutive occasions from 2010-2012.
In 2016 Ricciardo scored pole and led before a mix up in the pits saw him fall behind Lewis Hamilton at the finish.
Heading into this year’s event, the Australian believes he’ll be in with a shot of pole once again.
“We’re still not probably the quickest car but we can be if we can get it all hooked up, I think we can be pretty good,” Ricciardo said.
“I’d be surprised if we weren’t at least close.
“I would love this feeling coming into every race that we genuinely have a chance to fight for the win,” he added.
“I can’t wait to get on the circuit and push the car to the limit. Hopefully that will be enough.”
Mercedes has won four of the last five Monaco grands prix, leaving Ricciardo sceptical of Wolff’s assertions.
“I think they’re also trying to take a bit of pressure off them and put it on us, but it is no secret, we are always pretty good around here,” Ricciardo reasoned.
“I think it will be very close between us and particularly Ferrari, and we’ll see where Mercedes is.
“We weren’t good enough last year but for sure previous years we have been.
“There are no guarantees we will be quickest but I do feel the DNA of our car is solid. I am excited but I am not expecting anything yet.”
The Monaco Grand Prix begins on Thursday with two practice sessions, before final practice and qualifying on Saturday.
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