Horner praises Ricciardo’s “brilliant” start

It could be argued that the start to Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull career should read second, fourth, fourth. That would have netted him a total of 42 championship points and placed him third in the title race behind the Mercedes pairing of Rosberg and Hamilton.

As it stands it’s only Daniel’s well earned fourth placed finish in Bahrain last weekend which he has to show for an otherwise impressive start to the 2014 F1 season. He’s shown great raw pace, often pushing the faster Mercedes drivers, as well as proving on track that he’s in no way intimidated by his teammate Sebastian Vettel.

Ricciardo has impressed his immediate boss Christian Horner, too.

“He has been brilliant,” said Horner. “From first practice in Australia he has been right there, driving extremely well, enjoying it, and he’s always got a smile on his face, whether things are good or bad.

“And his racing, if anybody had any question marks over his ability to move forward through the field, he has demonstrated he is right up there with the best.”

Horner added Daniel’s time with an under resourced HRT and under performing Toro Rosso may have hidden his abilities.

“Sometimes equipment does mask the potential of these guys,” explained Horner. “We knew he was good through what we saw in the testing he did with us, and in the simulator, but how good we weren’t quite sure.

“But he’s demonstrated he is absolutely top drawer.”

[Source: Sporting Life | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]