Ricciardo banking on F1 triple-header to 'build confidence'

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Daniel Ricciardo is looking forward to tackling F1's upcoming triple-header as the busy schedule will provide the McLaren driver with "continuous" time in the car and an opportunity to boost his confidence.

Ricciardo has struggled since the start of the season to get on top of McLaren's 2021 car. The Aussie has been consistently outpaced by teammate Lando Norris who is slowly staking claim to the unofficial title of team leader at the papaya squad.

F1 will kick off this weekend in France a demanding schedule that will see teams undertake three consecutive races, with a double-header at the Red Bull Ring set to follow the French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard.

But Ricciardo is determined to use the busy three weeks to his advantage.

©McLaren

"We head to France this week to start the first triple-header of the season and I can’t wait to get started," he said in McLaren French Grand Prix preview;

"Three back-to-back races can be seen as a challenge, but it’s also a great opportunity to get continuous time in the car and really build on the progress we’ve made so far.

"Being able to consecutively put more miles in over the next three weekends combined with the work we’ve done in the simulator will hopefully get us to a good place and continue to build my confidence in the car."

Read also - Seidl: 'Strong operational momentum' key to triple-header challenge

Ricciardo finished just ninth in Baku, helped by a string of retirements that took place in the latter part of the race. The Aussie nevertheless cast a positive view on his weekend in Azerbaijan, but admits to being happy to return to more conventional venues.

"We definitely had a productive weekend in Baku with several positive moments," he said.

"I’m looking forward to racing at Paul Ricard this weekend. It’s a much more conventional and forgiving track than Baku that also comes with slightly fewer risks.

"So, let’s stay focused, try and make everything click and see what we can do!"

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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.