P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ricciardo: Albon clash a “singular moment”, not part of tough start to F1 2024
The eight-time grand prix winner, who had high expectations for leading the RB charge, has faced a challenging season and was overshadowed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda. The clash with Albon on the opening lap of the Suzuka race was a setback, leading both drivers into the barriers. Despite the incident, Ricciardo emphasized that it was not linked to his overall poor form but rather a typical first-lap collision. Looking ahead, he remains focused on the next race in China and testing on Tuesday to make up for lost laps. Ricciardo acknowledged that starting the race on medium tires put him at a disadvantage, contributing to the chain of events that led to the crash with Albon. Reflecting on the situation, Ricciardo noted that in hindsight, starting on soft tires would have been more beneficial, even though he initially opted for mediums.
