Daniel Ricciardo admitted he felt pride after his Renault team banked their best result at Monza since 2008, as the Australian driver scored his highest placing of the F1 season with a superb fourth spot.
Renault’s 22-point haul at the Italian Grand Prix saw them overtake Toro Rosso to stand fifth in the overall constructors’ standings with Ricciardo now up to eighth in the drivers’ championship.
And Ricciardo, who had qualified in fifth place, was delighted with the team’s efforts on Sunday as teammate Nico Hulkenberg finished just behind him in fifth.
“We deserved that today. It matches my best ever result here in Monza and to do it with Renault is great,” the 30-year-old told the Renault website.
“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. To get the team’s best result since returning to Formula 1 in fourth and fifth at a power circuit really complements 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.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc won Sunday’s race, ending a nine-year losing streak for the Italian team at their home circuit.