Ricciardo aware of Red Bull's deficit despite podium finish

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A podium finish fell into Daniel Ricciardo's bag in the Spanish Grand Prix, but the Red Bull driver is under no illusions when it comes to his team's true level of performance compared to front runners Mercedes and Ferrari.

The Aussie was happy to take whatever came his way after starting sixth on the grid and watching two of his main contenders - Kimi Raikkonen and team mate Max Verstappen - end their race at the first corner.

Still, Ricciardo crossed the checkered flag a distant third, a massive 75 seconds behind race winner Lewis Hamilton.

"I'm aware of the gap to the leaders today. I think they lapped up to fourth place, so I was the next victim," joked Ricciardo.

"I'm really happy to spray some champagne again.

"Valtteri (Bottas) had mechanical problems and we were fourth and got promoted to third, but the 'Honey Badge'r will take what he can get so I'm happy."

As Formula 1 moves on to Monaco, where anything goes, Ricciardo admitted that he was overjoyed to return to the Principality, where skill can sometimes supersede a car's outright performance.

And where he missed out on a victory last year through no fault of hos own, falling victim his team's pit stop blunder.

"I'm as keen as a 24-pack of mustard, I'm excited to go back there," he said.

"I'm aware we probably don't have the package that we had last year but I'm still excited to rag the hell out of that car around streets, and remind people of my abilities.

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