Daniel Ricciardo has just two races under his belt with the McLaren team, after a switch from Renault for the 2021 season, and although Lando Norris is proving quickest so far, the 31-year-old says he remains in a “productive mindset”.
Norris and Ricciardo were made positions under team orders during last weekend’s race at the Autodromo Enzi e Dino Ferrari, with the Briton’s pace clearly superior to the Australian’s.
“He was definitely quicker in the race,” Ricciardo admitted.
“The initial part was actually OK. I got up to fifth and I was doing all right on the intermediates.
“But then I started to lose the front right, and my pace dropped off quite a lot. On that second phase on the intermediates, I was not fast.
“For the restart, I thought there would be a standing start, so we put the soft on.
“Then I saw a rolling start and I thought, ‘Ahhh…’. I tried to look after the tire but the others just kept pulling away. I started to push on it and then I was really struggling.”
With round three in Portugal edging closer, Ricciardo says he’s in a positive mindset, and will “learn from this race” as he continues to find his feet with a new team.
“For sure, a lot to learn and a lot to improve. Lando got a podium and did a strong race. That is encouraging. I have to forget a little bit of pride and actually have a look at what I can improve.
“I’m definitely in a productive mindset and not in a defeated mindset. I certainly see the positives and for the team as well. In the second race to get a podium already is a good start.”
“I had enough laps to try to show my pace. Initially, it was not too bad, and once the track started to dry a little bit I lost the right-front tire.
“It started to grain and that’s when I felt I was not able to go any quicker.
“The team made the call and as of this moment I have to accept that because I was not quick enough.
“If I was I would’ve pulled away, so I don’t want to let my pride and ego get in the way of that. Just learn from his race, learn from what they are doing better, and chip away at it.”
Racing resumes at the Algarve International Circuit on May 2.
