Daniel has power trip

DANIEL RICCIARDO survived a power cut to finally win big in Monaco.

The Red Bull racer’s curse around the twisting Monte Carlo streets looked set to strike again after he reported a lack of grunt from his engine with 50 laps still to go.

But the Australian expertly nursed his car home while holding off the challenges of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton.

Two years ago Ricciardo was raging, claiming he had been “screwed” by his team as a bungled pit-stop cost him the chance of a first victory at the season’s most glamorous grand prix.

But Ricciardo righted that wrong in style yesterday, crowning a weekend in which he was fastest in all three practice sessions and every qualifying session by leading every lap to the chequered flag.

Vettel came home second with Hamilton in third.

“This is two years in the making so I finally feel like the redemption has arrived,” said a delighted Ricciardo.

“We had problems. We had a lot to deal with during the race. I felt a loss of power and I thought the race was done. I got home just using six gears. There were a few doubts that came in mid-race but we won Monaco. It feels good.”

The Australian made a perfect getaway from pole position and soon set about controlling the pace at the head of the field. Hamilton was first into the pits from third place, in the hope of finding some clear track in which to up his pace and put the pressure on Vettel and Ricciardo ahead.

But Ricciardo responded by putting the hammer down himself. And this time there were no mistakes when he peeled into the pits before returning to the track still at the head of the field. He held on to win but it later emerged he had lost 25 per cent of his horsepower.

The result means Vettel has cut Hamilton’s lead at the top of the standings by three points to 14, with Ricciardo in third.

And Hamilton has already switched his attention to the challenges ahead after struggling for pace all weekend. He said: “It felt like the longest race I’ve ever done.”

“I’m looking forward to the following races, hopefully they’ll be more fun.”