Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo has taken the checquered flag for the first time, winning the Canadian Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old Red Bull driver took full advantage of power and electrical problems that hit both championship leader Nico Rosberg and his Mercedes team-mate, Lewis Hamilton, in the closing stages to claim a stirring triumph.
“I am still a bit in shock,” Ricciardo said on his win.
“Thanks everyone. This is ridiculous! There are lots of Australian flags … which is nice.
“I finally managed to get in the right spot to use DRS (drag reduction system aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag in order to increase top speed)- and it’s an amazing feeling right now.”
Ricciardo was close to a victory in his first race with Red Bull on home turf in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix in March, but after finishing second, he was disqualified for a technical infringement.
The final lap was run behind a safety car after a horrifying, high-speed collision between Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India and Brazilian Felipe Massa of Williams saw them fly off into the barriers.
Both were seen moving in their cockpits at the end of the 70-laps contest and appeared not to be seriously injured after the incident as they braked from speeds of more than 240 kph.
Ricciardo’s win means he has now beaten Vettel in the past five races, a feat that saw him receive well-deserved congratulations from his team-mate in the aftermath of a drama-laden event.
Source: ABC/AFP