Ricciardo wants to silence critics in Baku: 'Ready to take any opportunity'

Where it has still proved difficult to overtake in Monaco, that may be different in Baku. The long straights of the Baku City Circuit offer the new Formula 1 cars more opportunities to overtake and many drivers are therefore looking forward to racing at the relatively new circuit. This includes Daniel Ricciardo, who has fond memories of the circuit.

Like his teammate Lando Norris, Ricciardo is also looking forward to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The Australian says he is a big fan of the circuit in Baku, where he managed to win with Red Bull Racing in 2017.

Ricciardo has good memories of Baku

According to Ricciardo, the track has some exciting elements that make it a challenge to race there. "It's always a fun battle heading into turn one, where you often end up with three cars running side by side," he said in a McLaren press release.

Ricciardo has faced criticism of late, not least from his own boss Zak Brown. He responded to the criticism by putting a remarkable message on his helmet during the Monaco Grand Prix and later explained what all the criticism did to him.

As a result, the good-humoured Australian will be more driven than ever to turn the tide, and the race in Baku could well provide opportunities to do so. "There’s a couple of different ways we can play it strategy-wise this weekend but track position for lights out on Sunday will be important," he continued.

He does expect the long straights to provide overtaking opportunities. "There’s always an element of unpredictability at street circuits so I’m ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come my way," Ricciardo said.