Ricciardo laments qualifying pace

After the high of a sensational Sprint, Daniel Ricciardo laments his poor qualifying effort despite making up some ground in Miami.

Having qualified 18th and started last due to a two-place grid penalty for a Safety Car infringement in China, Ricciardo fought hard in his Racing Bulls to finish 15th.

The Aussie had a steady, but unspectacular start on the Hard tyres, but made up positions by staying out long.

The decision to extend the first stint on the harder rubber paid off when the Safety Car arrived for the Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant clash on Lap 28 and the #3 moved up to 15th.

Ricciardo managed to hold station, only losing position to compatriot Oscar Piastri, who was much faster in the McLaren on fresher rubber.

Ricciardo crossed the line 16th, which became 15th after Lance Stroll’s 10s penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

Whilst it is not a standout result, it is the Racing Bulls’ driver’s first finish in three Grands Prix after back to back retirements in Japan and China.

Reflecting on the result, Ricciardo said the VCARB 01 struggled to unlock the same race pace as the Sprint in traffic and knew it was always a battle after qualifying so low.

“Entering the race you always have some optimism,” Ricciardo said.

“After the pace we had in the sprint we thought we could charge through the pack but it is a very different race when you are in traffic and a lot harder to use our pace.

“We can’t qualify at the back which is where we made it difficult for ourselves.

“It shows just as quickly you can have a good race, you can have a bad race.”

Despite ending Miami on the back foot, Ricciardo still leaves the Hard Rock Stadium with his head held high.

In addition to his outstanding fourth place in the Sprint, Yuki Tsunoda picked up points for Racing Bulls in the Grand Prix with 10th, while Ricciardo believes the team has a firm idea why the #3 struggled to find its Sunday speed.

“I still leave here very happy and proud,” he said.

“We will debrief but know why I was not able to come through the field.

“We know there are strengths in the car and some weaknesses as well, but that is on me to qualify better.

“Yuki got some points so the team leaves Miami very happy.

“Although I was not happy with that set of tyres (in qualifying) I have to look at myself and take some accountability.

“At this level you need to be perfect and will still work on a few flaws.

“Will work hard on Imola to keep this train going.”

Like many in the paddock, Ricciardo was delighted for his former teammate Lando Norris to notch up a maiden Grand Prix win having spent two recent seasons together in 2021 and 2022. The Aussie and the Brit are the only two drivers to win a race for the famous team in the last 12 years.

“I am very happy for him,” the Aussie said with a smile.

“Genuinely I am proud. When you are teammates with someone you have a closer connection.

“I saw his talent and ability and knew it was a matter of time, although nothing is a guaranteed in this sport.

“I felt like it was going to happen sooner or later and very happy for him to have a day like this.”

Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool

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