Daniel Ricciardo wins Monaco GP 'just using six gears' after problem
Daniel Ricciardo has revealed he had to win the Monaco Grand Prix with just six of his car's eight gears, after an MGU-K problem cost him engine power
The Australian got away cleanly at the start from pole position, and appeared to have everything under control, when he began to report over the radio that he was suffering from a lack of power.
Despite being around 20km/h slower down the straights, he managed to hold off the threat from closest challenger Sebastian Vettel to take his first win in Monaco, and make up for the disappointment of two years ago when a botched pit stop cost him.
"This was two years in the making," said Ricciardo, who couldn't use seventh or eighth gears once the problem struck. "I finally feel the redemption has arrived.
"We had problems, we had a lot to deal with during the race. Before halfway I felt a loss of power and thought the race was done.
"We got home just using six gears, and thanks to the team we got it back.
"I'm stoked. I can show more emotion today than I could yesterday
"There were a few doubts that came in mid-race, but we've just won Monaco - it feels good, feels good.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Ricciardo over the team radio at the end of the race that he felt the win was reminiscent of Michael Schumacher's drive to second place in the 1994 Spanish Grand Prix, when his Benetton was stuck in fifth gear.
"That is right up there with what Schumacher did," said Horner. "This is payback for 2016."
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko added: "It was a serious problem and he managed it.
"It was unbelievable. I don't think any other driver could have done it.
"[We were] very nervous because in the beginning it looked like it would slow the car further down, he changed set-up, he changed driving style. Unbelievable."
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