Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo admits it is not easy to move on from the frustration of having missed out on the Spanish Grand Prix win after leading the first half of the race in Barcelona.
Lining up third on the grid after a cracking qualifying performance, the Australian inherited P1 when the Mercedes duo collided on the opening lap. Ricciardo then looked in control until a questionable three-stop strategy left him fourth on the road in the closing stages.
Any chance of securing a podium finish was definitely thwarted when he picked up a puncture at the rear left on the final lap, with the 26-year-old eventually crossing the line in fourth.
“The outcome of the race was frustrating,” Ricciardo said. “Is it easy to move on? I wouldn’t say easy. But can I move on? Absolutely.
“It’s been a few days since the race and I still wake up with it on my mind. I’m going to bed with it off my mind but I’m waking up with it on my mind – it will take a bit of time.
“I think it’s more that at the last three races we haven’t got the end result we deserve and I think there was always something better there that was available for me. It’s just like ‘Oh, come on!’ but it’s racing and it’s part of it.”
Ricciardo adds that new team-mate Max Verstappen’s stunning win on his Red Bull debut left him with bittersweet feelings and a case of what might have been.
“Part of me is happy that the team is winning again and everyone is super motivated and confidence is high. Obviously that’s a positive that I am trying to draw myself to, but from a personal side it was massively frustrating.
“It’s a tough one – sure it’s a team sport but you know you are doing it for yourself as well. It’s as much an individual sport as it is a team sport and that balance is always a tricky one to try and manage. Obviously from the personal side it is still a tough one to take.”
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