Ricciardo: Hamilton has the advantage in Melbourne

Daniel Ricciardo placed himself in the leading group during the first day of testing for the Australian GP. The pilot Red Bull finished in 3rd place during the first session before ranking 5th in the second, one second behind the benchmark achieved by Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).

“We looked pretty competitive in the morning, but we tried a few things in the afternoon that didn't work out in our favor, explained Daniel Ricciardo. I would have liked to learn a little more, but I will be satisfied if we put it all together with the performances of the morning. »

Hamilton favorite for Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo logically sees Lewis Hamilton as the best contender for pole at the Australian GP, ​​the Mercedes driver having been the fastest during the two practice sessions held at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.

“Mercedes is certainly fast, but it's more Lewis than Valtteri who has the advantage at the moment. Valtteri seems to evolve more with the Ferrari and I think we can also be at this level, added Daniel Ricciardo. Pole will be difficult to achieve, but we should be able to place ourselves in the small group that follows with the right settings and a good lap in qualifying. It will be very difficult to get pole if Lewis puts in a perfect lap. »

Max Verstappen followed his teammate by placing 6th in the second practice session for the Australian GP, ​​behind the Mercedes and Ferraris.