We’re back in Monza, and the 2021 Italian GP winner is staking his claim for the top step again. Daniel Ricciardo is on his way out of the Woking outfit, but he might leave on a high.

The Italian GP, similar to the Belgian GP, will see multiple drivers take a grid penalty. A total of nine drivers are taking grid penalties for the race in Monza. However, only three are back-of-the-grid penalties, the rest are 5 or 10-place grid penalties.

Because of the aforementioned penalties, reaching Q3 alone for the qualifying session is a highly lucrative prospect. Struggling for pace throughout the season, McLaren has a unique and mouthwatering opportunity at the Italian GP. The first agenda for the two McLaren men not taking any penalties for the race was to make it to Q3.

There’s trust behind Lando Norris as the Brit has averaged a P7 finish throughout the season. However, there was a lot of concern surrounding Daniel Ricciardo’s performance and whether he would qualify for Q3.

Keeping in mind Ricciardo’s poor form in the current campaign, he would’ve been forgiven for not pouncing on this opportunity. However, the Australian made it to Q3 and put his name in contention again at the race he won last year.

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The Australian went eighth fastest in Q3. However, after factoring in the grid penalties, Ricciardo will start much higher in the race behind Norris.

Twitter explodes as Daniel Ricciardo makes it to the highly rewarding Q3 at the Italian GP

The Honey Badger’s treatment by the Woking outfit angered his plethora of fans, as we’ve witnessed over the weeks. The Ricciardo stans did not agree with the alleged wrongful contract termination and often brought up the fact he’s the last race winner for the team.

Even though it’s highly unlikely Ricciardo might outpace the Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari cars, the Ricciardo fans are celebrating each victory.

Despite the pace advantage, the Ricciardi fandom can bank on one aspect of all F1 races, the highly unpredictable nature.

Despite the low probability, a Daniel Ricciardo win will be a highly anticipated aspect of the race and most fans will hope for one as well.

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