Daniel Ricciardo celebrates 33rd birthday in typical AUSSIE fashion ahead of British Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo has celebrated his 33rd birthday in style, with a shoey cake presented to the F1 star ahead of the British Grand Prix this weekend.

McLaren uploaded two images on Twitter, showing the larrikin Aussie loving the cheeky gesture from his team.

Ricciardo popularised the victory celebration where he pours champagne or beer into his sweaty boot and then takes a deep swig.  

The cake from team officials also featured a honey badger – the animal that is also Ricciardo’s nickname – poking its head out.

Attention now turns to trackside at Silverstone, where the Perth born driver is gunning for a podium finish.

Ricciardo posted the ninth fastest time at Friday’s practice session but stressed patience is key this weekend from McLaren.

‘It was OK,’ Ricciardo said when reflecting on his first hit-out on the track.

‘In the morning actually, there wasn’t much going on, but in the afternoon, I guess it was more fun, we got out there, had a little bit of fun.

‘With the hard [tyre] it was looking alright, but then with the soft, I didn’t really put the greatest lap in the world together.’ 

Attention now turns to trackside this weekend at Silverstone, where Perth born Ricciardo is gunning for a podium finish

He also acknowledged McLaren are collectively working tirelessly to ensure they will be competitive against the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari.

‘I know the team has been trying to dial the car in more, looking to get better,’ Ricciardo said.

‘For us and my engineering team, it was sim work, trying different set-ups and trying to nail this car. 

The McLaren team are collectively working tirelessly to ensure they will be competitive against the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari (pictured, Ricciardo moments before a practice round on Friday at Silverstone

‘I think we’ve got a better understanding of the car – particularly in the last few races, where I’ve been able to find a bit more of a setup that I am comfortable with.

‘It’s been good. We know our weaknesses – they’re not overnight fixes, but we know the direction to go in.’ 

Back in 2011, Ricciardo made his Formula 1 debut at Silverstone for HRT. 

Just over a decade and 13 races later, he has a podium and nine British GP points’ finishes to his name.

He loves the high speed circuit – where he finished fifth in 2021 – and is well aware wind can be a significant factor, with drivers hitting top speeds of over 300 km/h.

Corners are also notoriously difficult to contend with. 

‘It’s one of those tracks where I feel the circuit represents a Formula One car the best, in terms of downforce and high speed,’ Ricciardo said.

‘(Corners such as) Copse then Maggotts, Becketts, the change of direction, we kind of arrive in eighth, down to seventh, down to sixth.

‘In qualifying, I think almost sixth is the lowest gear we’ll go through that section. So it’s serious speeds and it’s a little bit bumpy as well.

‘You exit over the kerb, it’s cool. We all drive around here with a smile.’