Ricciardo led home a Red Bull 1-2 in front of teammate Max Verstappen at Sepang, taking full advantage of Lewis Hamilton suffering an engine failure while on course for a straightforward win.

It marked Ricciardo's first F1 win since Belgium 2014, two months prior to Bianchi's accident at Suzuka later that year.

"What a day, it’s sinking in now," said Ricciardo. "It’s been a long time between drinks. It was only two weeks ago after the race I said we’d win one, and there you go, next race we won.

"Since Monaco I kept the faith and believed we could win one this year, and we got it. Pretty emotional, I won’t lie. Overwhelming, a lot of feelings right now. I’m super grateful.

"I want to dedicate this one to Jules as well. I’ve been waiting for a victory, waiting to dedicate this to him.

"My life definitely changed since that incident. I’m extremely grateful and appreciative of everything I’ve got. I’ll dedicate this to him."

"Determined" to capitalise on victory chance

Having had victory in Monaco prised from his grasp with a team pit error, Ricciardo said he was "determined" to ensure that the opportunity presented by Hamilton's failure wasn't wasted.

He also said his mid-race fight for what had been second place with Verstappen was a fair one, his successful defence proving a major boost for his victory hopes as Red Bull pitted both drivers at the same time during a late Virtual Safety Car period.

"I was determined to capitalise on the opportunity," said Ricciardo. "Barcelona, Monaco, I felt like I did all I could to win and it slipped away.

"I saw we had an opportunity, and I was very determined not to let it go.

"It was fair and clean with Max, it was fun. That was the best part, I think we both enjoyed it.

"I’m sure he would love to be in this position, but he’s also honest and fair and I think today we can both hold our heads high."