Daniel Ricciardo will be ‘loving’ what he saw from Oscar Piastri at US Grand Prix

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Oscar Piastri was battling in the Sprint ahead of the United States Grand Prix after a difficult qualifying for the McLaren driver.

The Australian driver started the race down in 16th place after being quick enough to progress to the second part of qualifying, but he had his final lap time deleted for track limits.

Piastri made some progress in the race, moving past midfield runners in inferior cars such as Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson.

The McLaren driver kept out of trouble in a chaotic race with multiple battles across the entire field at Circuit of the Americas.

He had a duel with Yuki Tsunoda towards the end of the race as the pair raced for 10th place, which isn’t a points-scoring position in the Sprint.

David Croft explained while commentating for Sky Sports F1 that Daniel Ricciardo would be enjoying the Sprint despite not racing in Formula 1.

David Croft explained Daniel Ricciardo would be ‘loving’ watching Oscar Piastri battle Yuki Tsunoda

Piastri was racing against Tsunoda in the Sprint ahead of the United States Grand Prix during a very difficult race where tyre management was critical.

The pair were competing for the position as he locked up at Turn 1 towards the end of the race, when Tsunoda may not have impressed Red Bull.

Ricciardo was known for his bold overtaking moves on the brakes for much of his career in Formula 1, passing cars decisively.

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri offers Red Bull encouragement with F1 star unconvinced by what he’s seen at McLaren

David Croft explained the Australian driver would have enjoyed the tough racing in the Sprint as Piastri battled Tsunoda.

He said: “Lick the stamp and send it, said Daniel Riccardo. Who might not be racing here, but Piastri is trying to summon up the spirits of Daniel Riccardo in his charge toward the top 10. Ricciardo, Tsunoda’s, former teammate, I’m sure he’ll be loving it watching all this.”

Oscar Piastri is at a slight disadvantage compared to his teammate Lando Norris this weekend

McLaren have been very quick all season and is comfortably leading the Constructors’ Championship over Red Bull.

The British team have brought seven upgrades to the Circuit of the Americas in a bid to improve their car in the final stages of the year.

Norris has a new front wing which should help him over the weekend despite a difficult Sprint, finishing in third place.

Piastri is still running the old front wing on the McLaren, which may make things slightly more difficult for the Australian driver. He also picked up a five-second time penalty for his overtake on Pierre Gasly during the Sprint.