Belgian GP: Daniel Ricciardo says Spa F1 win raises Red Bull hopes

The Milton Keynes-based squad did not expect to be able to pose a challenge to the leading Mercedes-powered at tracks like Spa or Monza due to their high-speed nature and the lack of power from its Renault engine.

However, Ricciardo took his second F1 consecutive victory - and his third of 2014 - after beating Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg at Spa.

"I see good things ahead if we can collect maximum points around here," said Ricciardo. "It gives us a bit more hope for the circuits that are going to come later in the season, Singapore, Suzuka, just a couple to mention.

"It is great - we are really motivated right now and it has been a really good day for us on a track where we didn't expect to get maximum points.

"I'll keep smiling for a while but I still stay grounded. Monza I know will be tricky again bur the package we bought here was pretty racy, so we'll try to take something from here to Monza, and Singapore, Suzuka will be pretty good for us."

The win allowed Ricciardo to close the gap on second-placed Lewis Hamilton to 36 points and to championship leader Rosberg to 64 with seven races to go.

The Red Bull driver said he is not giving up on fighting for the title despite Mercedes' dominance of the season.

"If I am within 50 coming into Abu Dhabi then yeah," said the Australian when asked if he felt he had a championship shot.

"There are still a few races to go. Definitely while it is still mathematically possible we will keep fighting.

"To come and steal some points where we were not supposed to is nice. What is important now to look ahead is to capitalise on the circuits we can be strong on - if we can take maximum points at a couple of those it is never over."