Here's why Daniel Ricciardo is struggling: 'looking for consistency'
F1 News
Daniel Ricciardo couldn't convert his ninth-place start to points at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, as the eight-time Grand Prix winner finished the race in 13th place. The Australian has scored just five points this season, compared to VCARB teammate Yuki Tsunoda's 15. All of these points came in the Miami sprint race, where he finished fourth. So, why has Ricciardo been struggling this season? After the Grand Prix in Imola, he revealed one of the key reasons why.
Ricciardo told media in the paddock, including GPBlog, that his race pace wasn't as good as he thought. "The laps we have in clear air, we show some pace. I feel like in clear air we probably have a tenth or two on Hulkenberg. It looks different if we get a better start. I wasn’t happy with the set of hard tyres. As soon as I left the box I didn't really feel like I had a great peak on the tyre. I didn't feel balance was great, but nonetheless, I still felt like we had the ability to lap decently compared to our rivals. But the starts, they're hurting us at the moment."
Grand Prix starts hurting the Honey Badger
Ricciardo explained that one of the areas that needs improvement is his starts. Getting off the line is currently difficult for himself and the VCARB team, as both drivers lost positions on the opening lap in Imola. "It's probably just an inconsistency. We're just looking for consistency we don't want these starts today where we lose two positions," said Ricciardo. The Australian continued: "I don't need to be getting the best start out of everyone, but just at least trying to hold position. It's something we're putting a lot of effort into, but obviously, today, it's still a bit off, and I think Yuki also lost a place, so, as a team, it wasn't great.
"I remember getting wheel spin today, so I guess that's probably the second phase, but try to keep figuring it out."
The Honey Badger will be hoping to turn his season around at one of his favourite tracks, Monaco, where he won in 2018. The Aussie concluded by saying he's approaching the weekend with an 'Open-Mind'.