Daniel Ricciardo, the McLaren speedster has called himself his biggest critic after failing to put up a big performance at the recently concluded Imola Circuit. The ‘fast’ Australian has not yet lived up to his name in the two races he has raced so far.
Daniel has managed to qualify at P6, almost half a second slower than leader Lewis Hamilton in the recently concluded Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and finished the race at P6. In the Bahrain Grand Prix, interestingly the ‘Honey Badger’ Ricciardo has managed to get himself at P6, almost a second behind leader Lewis Hamilton at the season opener, and finished the race at P7.
And a strong showing from Daniel in P6 too. Bravo, team. 👊#ImolaGP 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/7ypCEpe6BL
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) April 18, 2021
The 31-year-old driver conveyed to EFTM.com regarding his performance lately, “But, it’s just like maturity and experience now, but I acknowledge that basically, I wasn’t quick enough. And I think I’m my biggest critic. So in my head, I’m like, if I was quick enough, I would have pulled away and not been in that position.”
Daniel Ricciardo is yet to reach up to the speed he wants
The former Renault driver further asserted, “So it’s not like the team was holding me back so that Lando could have that position. It was all on me. And obviously, I’m not up to speed yet as much as I want. So, yeah, just take that one on the chin and figure out a way to be better, as opposed to jump up and down. And I certainly don’t want to create any friction in the team, in race two, that’s for sure.”
Lando Norris takes the lead from his McLaren F1 teammate Daniel Ricciardo at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the Autodrome Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola on Sunday, April 18, 2021. (Photo courtesy: F1 Official Twitter Handle)
In comparison, the Australian pilot’s teammate, Lando Norris has started the Italian Grand Prix one place behind at P7 but managed to finish the race two places before him at P4.
Daniel currently stands at P7 after two races, four places behind his teammate Lando and managed to accumulate 14 points after the end of two races. It will be interesting to see how the Aussie speeds up his form and helps himself and his team in the upcoming races.
