Ricciardo claimed McLaren’s first victory🏅 since 2012, with teammate Laౠndo Norris finishing second to secure the team’s first 1-2 finish in over 11 years.

His life was made easier when Lewis Hamilton and Max Verst💙appen collided on Lap 26, but Ricciardo was already in the net lead of the ra♕cing having got past the Red Bull driver on the opening lap.

Reflecting on his first victory since 2018, he said: “I don’t think it’s actually sunk in yet. It’s actually probably the first time I’ve been overwhelmed by winning. I think as well it’s been over three ye꧂ars or something.

“Not that this affects me but… I just know that no one would have predicted this, this year especially after the first half of the 𝓀year. It’s easy to♛ lose confidence and lose your way. I think that’s just when perspective and everything comes to fruition and knowing deep within yourself that it can happen and just never doubt yourself.

“I think f you truly love someꦫthing and believe in it, never doubt yourself. Some of the speed bumps along the way make moments like t♕his even sweeter.”

Since moving McLaren for 2020, Ricciardo has struggled considerably relative to t💧eammate Norris.

Before this weekend, Ricciardo had scored🔥 just 50 per cent of Norris’ points in the champi✨onship standings.

He admitted that he’s enjoyed trying to refind his form t𓆉his season.

“I am not just saying it because I am here today soaking in the glory, Ricciardo added. “It’s been, at times, the most challenging year for me. Not that I have shied away from that, if anything, I’ve enjoyed the adversity and the feelings that I’ve had internally because it’s made me understand who I am a bit more as a per🦂son and as a competitor.

“I definitely embraced it but for sure there have dܫefinitely been some low points and then you have on top of that not seeing Mum and Dad for over a year. I am very close to family, I am a very affectionate person and sometimes there’s nothing you want more than a cuddle from mum and dad and a pat on the back. That’s made the hard days harder but it also helped me get to this point.”