Red Bull team chief Christian Horner heaped praise on Daniel Ricciardo for a lap that “came out of nowhere” after he grabbed pole position on Saturday for the Mexican Grand Prix.
The big-grinning Australian upstaged his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen as the team secured its first front-row lockout since the United States Grand Prix in 2013.
“It was a great performance by both drivers, but 'wow' what a lap by Daniel to come from nowhere really,” said Horner. “To unleash that on his last run was absolutely outstanding.”
Ricciardo celebrated his success with a wild and loud reaction in his car and some comments that misquoted paraphrased lines from an American action/comedy film, 21 Jump Street, before he pulled himself together.
“I still wasn't convinced it was the cleanest lap, but I've got to relax a little -- I'm tripping major nut-sack right now,” he said in his post-session interview after claiming his third career pole and first anywhere other than Monaco.
“I'm holding a lot in,” he said. “I let a bit out once I heard I got pole, but I've got to save some energy for tomorrow.
“It's been a while since getting a pole, but it's been a while since we've had a good weekend in general. Super happy.
“We've been quick all weekend from the start, and from the team's point of view to get a one-two in qualifying is awesome.
“We've got to finish the job tomorrow, but to confirm our pace in qualifying is really good.
“Max led the way through the practices, I knew there was a bit more in it and I just squeezed it out at the very end.”
Horner added: “It's come right for Daniel big time today and you could hear his enthusiasm and enjoyment on the radio on the slow-down lap. It was great to hear.”
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