Vergne: « Daniel deserved to win a Grand Prix »

« I’m really happy for him. He deserves it. I knew that when he got the car, he would win. » Jean-Eric Vergne seems enthusiastic when discussing the first victory of his former teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, at the Canadian Grand Prix. On purpose. « Last year I was beating him in races and he in qualifying. We were at a very similar level. So it reinforces my desire to be patient. » That doesn’t mean he considers himself better than the Australian. « If I were, I would be the one in the Red Bull today », he clarifies.

As a member of the Red Bull academy, one might think that this Grand Prix on Austrian soil is of particular importance. It is not. « It’s an important weekend, but it won’t change anything for me. I’m just going to go as fast as possible, as I’ve been able to do recently », points out the Frenchman. He hopes to continue his momentum after two very good races in Monaco (despite the retirement) and Canada, where he finished eighth. Better yet, he started both times from the fourth row on the grid. « I’ve improved in qualifying compared to last year. I’m doing better laps », assesses Vergne.

A momentum that could continue this weekend, which Toro Rosso seems to have marked on its calendar. We have a lot of improvements. The front wing. The rear wing. The diffuser. And I’m probably forgetting some… He prefers not to speculate on the gain they might bring, especially since the circuit will be an unknown factor to consider. The track is quite short and interesting. Let’s bet it will be even more so for the Frenchman if he leaves with a few extra points in his pocket.