A track limits violation dumped Daniel Ricciardo out of Q1, but there was something far more troubling for Ricciardo – and it’s an echo of the start of his McLaren nightmare
After qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo appeared baffled not only due to a track limits violation that eliminated him in Q1 but also because his pace was over a tenth slower than his RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.
Ricciardo admitted that even with the track improving, he wouldn’t have been able to match Tsunoda’s performance in Q2, where he qualified eighth, causing genuine concern for the usually ebullient driver.
Pressure is mounting on Ricciardo after recent comments from Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko, highlighting the need for him to improve, with last year’s stand-in success Liam Lawson looming as a potential threat.
Ricciardo expressed frustration over the pace deficit and hinted at possible car issues affecting his performance, echoing his concerns from the previous Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.
Despite feeling at the car’s limit, Ricciardo desires further checks to ensure the car is performing optimally, reminiscent of his struggles at Monaco in 2021, where initial blame on the car was later revealed to be related to his driving style.
The situation is concerning as Ricciardo aims to elevate his performance and hopes to avoid a repeat of his challenging McLaren stint, emphasizing the need for a positive trajectory in the upcoming races.
