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Daniel Ricciardo may have exceeded expectations on track this season, but it is his attitude in the car that has impressed Red Bull Formula 1 tech boss Adrian Newey most.

The Australian took his maiden victory at the Canadian Grand Prix when Mercedes hit trouble, and is currently third in the F1 drivers' standings behind Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton - two places and 19 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel.

How Ricciardo turned himself into a winner

Newey has singled out Ricciardo's calmness under pressure as a key attribute.

"Daniel has been massively impressive this year," explained Newey. "He has certainly exceeded all our expectations.

"What I find amazing about him is how calm he is in the car. When he's on the radio it's like he's sitting down with a cup of tea and driving one-handed. It's quite remarkable.

"He's very calm, collected, takes everything in his stride, and he's really enjoying his job."

Team principal Christian Horner has been equally blown away by the way Ricciardo has adapted to life at a frontrunning outfit.

"The way he has driven, the way he has made his passing moves, he has driven faultlessly all season," explained Horner.

"He grabbed his opportunity [in Canada] and I am delighted for him that he won his first grand prix.

"There were questions asked when we chose him as our driver alongside Sebastian and I think he has demonstrated beyond all doubt that he fully deserves that position."