Ricciardo aims to 'keep the pressure' on McLaren in Mexico

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Daniel Ricciardo says Renault will be putting the pressure on McLaren in Mexico City, where it hopes to outscore its rival and reduce its gap to the papaya squad in the Constructors' standings.

With four races remaining on the 2019 calendar, McLaren sits fourth and 'best of the rest' among F1's teams, but its 34-point edge over Renault leaves it with very little margin for error.

Ricciardo will be hard-pressed to repeat his pole position performance from 2018, but the Aussie is determined to gain access to Saturday's Q3 shootout and take it from there.

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"The pole position last year was pretty memorable," Ricciardo remembers.

"It was an exciting lap, putting it all together at the end; it was special. If we can get into Q3 and be first of the midfield this weekend then that will be pretty good too.

"Japan was quite a crazy weekend, so to round it off with sixth place from sixteenth on the grid was awesome," he added.

"We’ve been on a disappointing run recently so we deserved the result in Japan. We’re aiming to carry some momentum now in Mexico.

"The target is to better the McLarens and outscore them to keep the pressure on. Let’s go Mexico!"

Ricciardo's team mate Nico Hulkenberg suggests that as the season winds down, points are a priority.

"We left Japan feeling pretty content," said the German driver.

"Sunday was a bit up and down with a qualifying, which was frustrating followed by a pretty enjoyable race where we really made some gains and came away with points in the bag.

"It’s important we score well again in Mexico. We’re approaching the business end of the season and everything has to count."

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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.