Daniel Ricciardo, second on the Italian Grand Prix grid: “it’s good to be back” on the front row

Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren, third in the sprint race and 2nd on the Grand Prix grid): « It’s tomorrow that really matters but we won a place thanks to the problem of Valtteri Bottas (winner but penalized) so this is the first line for us! It’s been a long time since I’ve been in this position on a starting grid (from Mexico in 2018 where he took pole position before retiring), it’s good to be back in such a place (to smile). What gave me a chance was the start. I thought I could overtake Max (Verstappen) initially but it did not happen. It will be total attack tomorrow. « 

Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes, winner of the sprint race and 20th at the start of the Grand Prix due to a penalty):  » I feel good ! It’s been a long time since I finished a race in the lead. Unfortunately I will start at the back of the grid tomorrow (following a penalty for having changed parts of his engine) but the speed is there. Today I really enjoyed myself. It was a clean race with a good pace. The Grand Prix won’t be easy but we can choose the tires at the start so we’ll see what we can do. And I can promise that I will give it my all. « 

Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes, 5th in the sprint race and 4th on the Grand Prix grid): “I got off to a bad start and it’s expensive. We underestimated Red Bull here. I think they have more pace than we expected all year round. They make improvements every week. They are constantly adding performance to the car. I have to figure out how I can get rid of the McLarens tomorrow and limit the damage. I don’t know if Verstappen was faster than Bottas but they are so fast, and now he’s on pole. It should be an easy win for him. I just have to get ahead of the McLarens. «