Newey praises Ricciardo for composure

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, from Australia, celebrates after winning the 2014 Canadian Grand Prix. Photo / AP

Red Bull's Formula One tech guru Adrian Newey has hailed Daniel Ricciardo's "remarkable" composure behind the wheel in what's been a tough early season.

The Australian broke through for his first grand prix victory in Canada barely a week ago, and is aiming for a repeat at his team's home race in Austria this weekend.

Ricciardo sits third on the championship standings behind Mercedes' dominant duo Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton - two places (19 points) ahead of his four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel.

Excluding his retirement from the Malaysian Grand Prix in March, the 24-year-old has not finished outside the top four in seven rounds.

"Daniel has been massively impressive this year," said Newey, as quoted by Autosport.com.

"He has certainly exceeded all our expectations.

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo, from Australia, drives through the last chicane on his way to winning the Canadian Grand Prix. Photo / AP

"What I find amazing about him is how calm he is in the car.

"When he's on the radio it's like he's sitting down with a cup of tea and driving one-handed. It's quite remarkable.

"He's very calm, collected, takes everything in his stride, and he's really enjoying his job."

Team boss Christian Horner reckons there should no longer be any doubters of Ricciardo and his readiness to race for a front-running outfit in place of compatriot Mark Webber.

"The way he has driven, the way he has made his passing moves, he has driven faultlessly all season," Horner said.

"He grabbed his opportunity (in Canada) and I am delighted for him that he won his first grand prix.

"There were questions asked when we chose him as our driver alongside Sebastian and I think he has demonstrated beyond all doubt that he fully deserves that position."

-AAP