Daniel Ricciardo says 22-pole driver has the best reactions on the Formula 1 grid

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There are plenty of attributes needed to be a world-class Formula 1 driver.

It’s not enough just to be the fastest driver on the grid and having the right car makes a huge difference too – just ask reigning triple-world champion Max Verstappen.

Daniel Ricciardo was assessing his fellow drivers on Visa Cash App RB’s Instagram page and naming who he thought led the way in certain categories.

The level of talent on show in F1 means the Australian didn’t have any easy decisions to make.

However, when asked who had the best reactions on the grid, Ricciardo named the most experienced driver in the paddock – Fernando Alonso.

The 42-year-old Spaniard is showing no signs of slowing down and has already committed his future to Aston Martin to continue racing well into his mid-40s.

Although he had a disappointing weekend in Imola, he’s shown time and again over the past two decades that he’s one of the most talented racers of the modern era.

READ MORE: Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s life outside F1 from net worth to Cars 2

Daniel Ricciardo says Fernando Alonso has the best reactions on the F1 grid

It’s hard to gauge when you’re not watching Formula 1 live just how fast the cars are going.

The drivers deserve a huge amount of credit for how smoothly they drive at speeds of upwards of 200mph.

While there are several circuits which give drivers plenty of margin for error – Circuit Paul Ricard and its never-ending tarmac runoff areas come to mind – at other tracks, one mistake can end your race.

Alonso’s Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll discovered this earlier in the season.

He clipped the inside curb at one of the corners at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix during practice and got away without causing too much damage.

Unfortunately, he didn’t learn from his mistake and crashed during the race costing his team points and bringing his future into question.

A driver requires his reactions to be heightened even further during race starts and Ricciardo and Alonso have spent many seasons avoiding collisions in the midfield heading towards various turn ones.

Alonso has been caught up in accidents at this early stage of the race – Romain Grosjean at Spa springs to mind – but more often than not the Spaniard is capable of avoiding incidents with superhuman precision.

It’s an aspect of a driver’s skillset that can begin to diminish as they get older, however, Alonso is showing no signs of slowing down.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Aston Martin F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Daniel Ricciardo names his top F1 drivers in other categories

Ricciardo was asked to build his perfect Formula 1 driver and when it came to the reactions category, he said: “Alright reactions, let’s give old man Fernando [Alonso] some credit here. Reactions.”

The Australian also said Max Verstappen had the best mentality, declared that he’s ‘still the OG’ at overtaking, and almost tongue-in-cheek selected Kevin Magnussen as the best defensive driver.

For style, Ricciardo selected the mulleted Valtteri Bottas who’s now ‘following his true self’, before saying F1’s newest race winner Lando Norris has the best banter.

After making his selections, he said: “Hope that’s OK, hope it didn’t offend anyone if I did, it’s fine, we’re just having some fun.”

READ MORE: Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Alonso is held in very high regard by many of his rivals on the grid and even if Ricciardo has poked fun at his age, it’s no wonder he’s praised his reactions.

He’s responsible for some exceptional overtaking moves during his career and won the FIA’s Action of the Year in 2023 for his battle with Sergio Perez at Interlagos.

His mistake at Imola in free practice had damaging implications for the rest of the race weekend and was very out of character.

He nearly secured pole position at the next race in Monaco last year and will be hoping he can replicate that feat on Saturday on a track where fast reaction times are absolutely critical.