- Red Bull
Ricciardo one of the best - Horner
Christian Horner believes Daniel Ricciardo has already established himself as one of the best drivers in Formula One after his impressive start to life at Red Bull.
Ricciardo spent a year at HRT and two at Toro Rosso before replacing the retired Mark Webber, but has not seemed daunted by a move to Red Bull alongside Sebastian Vettel. After watching Ricciardo beat Vettel on track in Bahrain, Horner believes any doubts about his ability to compete for a win this season have vanished.
"He has been brilliant", said Horner. "From first practice in Australia he has been right there, driving extremely well, enjoying it, and he's always got a smile on his face, whether things are good or bad.
"And his racing, if anybody had any question marks over his ability to move forward through the field, he has demonstrated he is right up there with the best."
Coming into this season Ricciardo's highest finish had been seventh, but Horner feels Ricciardo is proof that results alone are not the best judge of talent for the guys at the back of the pack.
"It demonstrates how difficult it is sometimes to judge drivers in inferior equipment because he has grabbed his opportunity and he is really making the most of it. Sometimes equipment does mask the potential of these guys. We knew he was good through what we saw in the testing he did with us, and in the simulator, but how good we weren't quite sure. But he's demonstrated he is absolutely top drawer."
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