In a historic achievement, Australian racing driver Daniel Ricciardo has become the first driver from his home country to reach an average speed of over 250 km/h (155 mph) during a Formula One lap. This remarkable feat was accomplished at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, held at the iconic Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.
Ricciardo, who is currently driving for the RB Formula One Team, managed to post a blistering lap time of 1:15.915 during the qualifying session, which translated to an average speed of 250.3 km/h (155.6 mph) around the 5.3 km circuit.
This achievement is a testament to Ricciardo’s exceptional driving abilities and the sheer performance of the RB Formula One car. By becoming the first Australian driver to reach this significant speed milestone, Ricciardo has cemented his place in the history books of the sport.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be the first Australian driver to reach an average speed of over 250 km/h in Formula One,” an elated Ricciardo said after the qualifying session. “This is a dream come true for me, and I’m proud to be able to represent my country in such a remarkable way.”
Ricciardo’s achievement is all the more impressive considering the challenging nature of the Albert Park circuit, which features a mix of high-speed straights and tight, technical corners. The ability to maintain such a high average speed throughout the lap is a true testament to the driver’s skill and the team’s engineering prowess.
This historic moment comes as Ricciardo continues his comeback journey in Formula One, having returned to the RB Formula One Team in the middle of the 2023 season. After a difficult spell with McLaren, the Australian driver is determined to recapture the form that saw him win multiple Grand Prix races earlier in his career.