Ricciardo win one of 'the great drives' of Monaco, says Alan Jones

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F1 world champion Alan Jones knows a great drive when he sees one and the 12-time Grand Prix winner has labeled countryman Daniel Ricciardo's performance on Sunday as one of Monaco's greatest triumphs.

Ricciardo's clean-sweep last weekend and his ability to pull off a win while battling a Red Bull deprived of 25 percent of its engine power following the failure of if MGU-K element left the Honey Badger's fellow Aussie mighty impressed.

"I thought it was an exemplary drive," he told Australian motorsport website Speedcafe.

"It was fantastic. The bloke dominated the whole proceedings from go to whoa.

"Even when it looked like he was in trouble with the power plant, he was able to hold on. That was a great drive, that will go down as one of the great drives of Monaco."

Scenes from the paddock - Monaco

Jones underlined Ricciardo's accomplishment of overcoming his car's difficulties while still dealing with the venue's incredible challenges.

"The thing is it's hard enough circulating Monaco, inches away from the Armco without having to manage the mechanical mishaps of your car and put up with a driver crawling up your backside for majority of the race.

"If I was Daniel I'd be extremely proud of that drive," he admitted.

"That's something he will remember for the rest of his life. Monaco is probably the most prestigious Formula 1 race and he's done it. That alone and the way which he did it was fantastic."

Jones also believes Sunday's win is a timely boost for Ricciardo as he ramps up his contract talks for his future. The 71-year-old former driver offers his view on where he hopes his countryman will head next.

"I think his timing is absolutely perfect," said Jones.

"He couldn't have done it at a better time, it will certainly add another nought to his Red Bull contract if nothing else.

"I've said all along that Red Bull has got the best chassis mechanically, the mechanical grip of that car is fantastic.

"The only thing Daniel could possibly wish for now is to put a Merc in the back of it or a Ferrari engine and the likelihood of that is not going to happen.

"I've said all along I'd love to see Daniel in a Ferrari because of his heritage. I think he's just a good Ferrari type driver."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.