MONACO (AP) β As four-time defending Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel struggles, Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo’s form is improving.
The 24-year-old Ricciardo is in fifth place overall, six points behind fourth-place Vettel, and secured his first career podium two weeks ago when he finished third at the Spanish GP.
The Australian driver has beaten Vettel in qualifying in three of the five races, and has twice featured on the front row β qualifying second in Australia and in China.
Vettel was so dominant last year, winning the last nine races and 13 overall, that it seemed highly improbable Ricciardo would challenge him in his first season since moving from Toro Rosso.
