In a moment that transcended the confines of mere motorsport, Daniel Ricciardo stood atop the podium at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, genuinely “lost for words” – a rare sight for the notoriously effervescent Australian. His victory at Monza was not just any win; it marked McLaren’s triumphant return to the top step of a Formula 1 podium after a near nine-year hiatus, a monumental achievement underscored by a sensational one-two finish with his teammate Lando Norris. This was a day etched into the annals of Formula 1 history, a testament to resilience, meticulous preparation, and the enduring spirit of Team Papaya.
Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free
A Dominant Display at the Temple of Speed
From the moment the lights went out at the legendary Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Ricciardo demonstrated a commanding performance. He launched his McLaren MCL35M with an unparalleled ferocity, surging past polesitter Max Verstappen on the run down to Turn 1. This audacious move, a hallmark of Ricciardo’s aggressive yet precise driving style, set the tone for a race where he would lead almost every single lap. Only briefly did he cede the lead during the routine pit stop cycle, a testament to McLaren’s strategic acumen and his unwavering pace.
The Australian driver masterfully held off a high-pressure train of cars, including a relentless challenge from his teammate Lando Norris, who himself delivered a stellar performance to secure second place. This magnificent P1 and P2 finish was a dream come true for McLaren, marking their first Grand Prix victory since Jenson Button’s triumph at the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix. For Ricciardo personally, it was an equally significant milestone – his first win since the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix and, notably, his first Formula 1 victory in a car other than a Red Bull. The relief and elation were palpable as he famously declared, “It’s about time!” – a phrase that encapsulated years of hard work and anticipation.
The Perfect Start and Unforeseen Pacing
Recalling the crucial opening moments of the race, Ricciardo humbly admitted that even with a strong start, sustained leadership was far from a certainty. “To be honest, even if we got the start, it was never a guarantee that we would lead the whole race,” he reflected. Yet, he did precisely that, displaying a remarkable blend of speed and strategic management. “I was able to just hold firm out front the first stint. I don’t think we had like mega speed, but it was enough just to obviously keep Max behind.” This calculated approach, maintaining a comfortable gap while preserving his tyres, showcased a new level of confidence and understanding with his McLaren machine.
The sheer unexpected nature of their dominance was a recurring theme. “To lead literally from start to finish – I don’t think any of us expected that,” Ricciardo confessed. This sentiment perfectly captured the collective surprise and joy within the McLaren garage and among Formula 1 fans worldwide. The team had executed a flawless race, from the blistering start to the precise pit stops and the exemplary pace management, confounding all expectations and delivering a truly memorable performance at a circuit where outright power often reigns supreme.
A Summer Reset and Renewed Confidence
The path to Monza had been far from smooth for Daniel Ricciardo. The opening half of the 2021 season, his inaugural year with McLaren, was fraught with challenges as he struggled to adapt to the unique characteristics of the MCL35M. A driver renowned for his late braking and distinct driving style, Ricciardo found himself consistently off the pace of his younger teammate, Lando Norris. The pressure mounted, and questions began to surface about his ability to integrate fully with the Woking-based outfit.
However, the traditional Formula 1 summer break proved to be a pivotal turning point. Ricciardo returned from the hiatus with a visibly renewed sense of confidence and a deeper understanding of his car. “There was something in me on Friday. I knew something good was to come, let’s just say that,” he revealed, hinting at a shift in his mindset and performance. His characteristic humor also shone through as he quipped, “I’ve just been a sandbagging S.O.B. the whole year, that’s all. Thirds, fourths, fifths – you might as well just win, so that’s what I did.” This lighthearted remark belied the intense personal work and adaptation that had occurred during the break, enabling him to feel more at one with the car over the preceding three race weekends.
Beyond Red Bull: A Career Defining Moment
This victory carried immense personal significance for Ricciardo, extending beyond the immediate joy of the win. It was his first triumph since his departure from Red Bull Racing at the conclusion of the 2018 season, and crucially, his first-ever Grand Prix win in a car that was not a Red Bull. His decision to leave the front-running Red Bull team for Renault, and subsequently for McLaren, had been met with a mix of understanding and skepticism. Many questioned whether he would ever reach the top step of the podium again outside the confines of an elite, championship-contending team.
The Monza victory served as a resounding affirmation of his talent, his bold career choices, and his unwavering belief in his abilities. It validated his journey and underscored his capacity to win races in different machinery, proving that his success was not merely a byproduct of a dominant car. For McLaren, a team with a storied history but a recent past marked by lean years, Ricciardo’s win signaled a powerful return to form, a clear indication that their upward trajectory was indeed leading them back to the sport’s elite.
The Power of Team Papaya: A Unifying One-Two
The magnitude of McLaren’s achievement at Monza was amplified by the fact that it was not just a win, but a glorious one-two finish. The sight of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris crossing the finish line in tandem, followed by Norris’s emotional radio message and the subsequent celebrations, created an unforgettable spectacle. “To not only win but get a one-two – it’s insane. For McLaren to be on the podium is huge, let alone a one-two, so this is for team papaya,” Ricciardo exclaimed, highlighting the collective nature of their success.
The term “Team Papaya,” referring to McLaren’s distinctive orange livery, has become a symbol of their renewed identity and camaraderie. The rapport between Ricciardo and Norris, often characterized by playful banter and genuine mutual respect, has been a significant factor in the team’s positive atmosphere and improved performance. This one-two finish was a testament to the hard work of every single member of the Woking factory, from the strategists and engineers to the mechanics and support staff. It showcased McLaren’s comprehensive progress under the leadership of Andreas Seidl and Zak Brown, demonstrating their capability to not only challenge at the front but to convert opportunities into truly historic results. The Italian Grand Prix of 2021 will forever be remembered as the day Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren roared back, reminding the world of their enduring potential and passion for victory.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free
2021 Italian Grand Prix
- Who was to blame for Hamilton and Verstappen’s collision at Monza?
- Hamilton-Verstappen crash was ‘a racing incident, no danger’ – Alonso
- Hamilton pleased stewards “set a precedent”, Verstappen “doesn’t fully agree”
- Ricciardo didn’t need title rivals’ latest clash for stunning Monza win
- Why Verstappen’s grid penalty differed from Hamilton’s Silverstone sanction
Browse all 2021 Italian Grand Prix articles