Daniel Ricciardo believes Renault’s strong result in the Italian Grand Prix was ‘long overdue’ after both cars finished comfortably in the points.
Ricciardo reached the flag in fourth place, one spot up from team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, to net Renault’s best result since returning to Formula 1 as a factory team.
“We deserved that today,” the Australian said.
“It matches my best ever result here in Monza and to do it with Renault is great.
“I saw the battles happening at the front and I thought there could be a big opportunity to score strong points.
“I’m really happy for myself and also for the team.
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“To get the team’s best result since returning to Formula 1 in fourth and fifth at a power circuit really compliments Renault and their hard work.
“The race pace was really good and it’s a nice reward for the team. The result is long overdue this year; I’m very satisfied now.”
The race also marked Hulkenberg’s best result of the year, fifth place bettering the brace of sevenths he’d picked up in Australia and Canada.
“It feels nice to have a finish like this and hopefully it will bring some momentum for the remaining seven races,” said the German, who is set to leave Renault at season’s end.
“The team deserve it as it’s been a tough year for us with some difficult results and moments.
“It’s a nice reward for everyone involved for the hard work.”
With McLaren scoring just a single point courtesy of Lando Norris in 10th, Renault has closed the gap on in the constructors’ championship.
There’s now just 18 points between the two squads as they battle over fourth place, the gap having been 39 points heading into the weekend.
Formula 1’s next stop is Marina Bay for the Singapore Grand Prix on September 20-22.
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