Australian Grand Prix – Multiple technical issues and a retirement on lap 28 hampered Daniel Ricciardo’s home Grand Prix.
After crashing out in the third and final part of qualifying for the opening round of the championship in Melbourne, Daniel Ricciardo was handed a five-place grid penalty and would’ve started the race from 15th on the grid.
However, prior to the race, the team spotted a problem with a gearbox sensor and were faced a race against time to get Ricciardo’s car to the grid.
However, he failed to make the start of the race and could only join the circuit when he was already two laps behind.
With safety cars the only hope for Ricciardo catching the pack up, he was left to circulate the track at the back of the field until he retired on lap 28 with an assumed fuel cell problem.
Speaking after the race, Ricciardo admitted his disappointment, but was buoyed by the race pace shown by his team-mate Max Verstappen.
“Not the weekend I wanted at home. For all these things to happen at my home race that’s probably the most frustrating thing,” said Ricciardo.
“We were on the back foot already after the crash in qualifying and then today we had an issue during the warm up lap followed by a second issue in the race. On both occasions the car just came to a stop so I couldn’t do anything else.
“But look, it’s the first race so hopefully we’ll move forward from this. Sure I’m disappointed now but it is what it is. I’ve been here before so I’ll wake up tomorrow and be motivated to get ready for China.
“Also, the boys worked so many hours this weekend, and did a great job getting me out on the track again but unfortunately it hasn’t come together for any of us.
“Max’s pace in the race looked a bit more encouraging, so I think we’re better than what we’re showing but it’s still a bit of a puzzle we’re trying to figure out.
“If any Aussies have a bit of energy left in a few weeks, then come out to China and you’ll hopefully see a better race from me.”