Ricciardo: I want to thank the mechanics for a great job

A troupe of mechanics and engineers grafted calmly, without panic in the Red Bull pit garage while their driver watched and waited. With six minutes to go in Q1 he was released, the Australian floored it sideways as he exited his pit box with clear intent.

Ricciardo acknowledged afterwards, “I’m happy to have got out in qualifying and I want to thank the mechanics for doing such a great job. I think they have broken their own record for an engine change several times and they did it again today."

"It got to 2pm and the guys were saying get ready, but we didn’t think it was going to happen. I didn’t expect to get out but I was ready to go and excited when I did. What happened this morning wasn’t the mechanics’ fault but they had all the pressure to put the new engine in the car in time and they did very well."

"In the end it’s relatively close, we’re at the tail end of the top six which isn’t ideal, but I think with all things considered it wasn’t a bad afternoon and I’m just thankful that the team were able to get me out there."

"I think they all start on softs in front of us tomorrow and from what I understand myself and Max will start on ultrasofts, so strategy will definitely play a big part and hopefully it can help get us up on the podium," added the Australian who ended sixth on the timing screens.

Red Bull team chief Christian Horner added,“It was a fantastic effort from the crew on car three, assisted when possible by the car 33 crew to get an engine change turned around in such a short period of time. There was a significant amount of work to get Daniel out for Q1 and everyone in the garage did a brilliant job."