Ricciardo: Red Bull not close to a race victory

Daniel Ricciardo does not expect Red Bull to challenge for a Formula One victory in any of the next three races unless there are adverse weather conditions.

Max Verstappen tasted success in Spain earlier this season, but Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have each won five of the other 10 grands prix so far in 2016.

Ahead of this weekend’s German Grand Prix, Ricciardo does not anticipate that situation changing any time soon, although he has more hope for his team when the September meeting in Singapore comes around.

“I think there should be another slight chance in Singapore,” said the Australian ahead his 100th grand prix outing at Hockenheim.

“That is a strong circuit for us and for whatever reason was a weakness for Mercedes last year. So If it is a similar trend we can have a crack there.

“Otherwise, probably a wet race is our only real opportunity on an even playing field. You always hope for some variables because all things being even they are quicker.

“Rain definitely helps us and we have been able to close the gap there. It also opens up more opportunities for drivers to make a difference – it is easier to make mistakes, so even if they were quicker there are chances they could make a mistake.

“We just have to do what we can do with what we have got. Obviously in Barcelona [when Hamilton and Rosberg collided] that opened an opportunity for everyone – these sort of things can still happen, although it would be nicer if we could beat them on track.”

Ricciardo finished third in Hungary last time out to move third in the drivers’ championship and his immediate goal is achieving more consistent results.

He said: “With the way things turned out after Spain and Monaco when the races results were not as high as I was hoping, it was obviously it was nice to get back on the podium.

“I had one in Monaco but didn’t really enjoy that one so it was nice to appreciate it in Budapest. You don’t get a podium every race and to spray the champagne was a nice reward and a beautiful feeling.

“Obviously we are really close with Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, I am third in the drivers and it is very close between third and sixth.

“So hopefully we can get some more consistent podiums and leave Sundays feeling happy – that is always important.”