MIAMI — It was certainly a tale of two sessions for Daniel Ricciardo at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.
The Australian driver and fan favorite had a strong performance in Saturday’s F1 sprint race, finishing fourth in Friday afternoon’s sprint qualifying to earn his first points of the season. It wasn’t just an impressive result for Ricciardo, but how the driver achieved it. He held off the onslaught of Carlos Sainz Jr. and Oscar Piastri in the final stages, giving his F1 team the best result of the tournament. F1 season.
And Ricciardo’s relief after the session was palpable as he lingered around the TV media for as long as possible, talking to all the media and soaking up the moment.
Saturday afternoon’s Miami Grand Prix qualifying session was a very different one, which can be summed up in his first comments to the assembled media.
“Disclaimer, let’s talk about sprint racing,” the driver joked to members of the media. SB Nation.
Ricciardo failed to advance to Q1 and qualified in 18th place. Ricciardo will start Sunday’s main event from last place, taking into account the three-place grid penalty applied at the start due to his accident at the Chinese Grand Prix.
“It was just… I don’t think there was anything we could have done. We didn’t have enough grip at the start of the lap,” Ricciardo said. “I really felt like Rand [Norris] In SQ3 [Saturday]. I don’t know what he said after that, but he was about a second slower and I could see him sliding on the exit of Turn 1 and he was confused and that’s how I felt honestly. ”
During the media session, Ricardo took on a philosophical tone.
“Obviously this morning was great. And I said to the team:[l]Enjoy this for 30 minutes. Let’s not forget this. ” Because obviously I didn’t expect this, but you never know.
“This sport… is a very interesting sport and obviously can change quickly.”
Ricciardo also admitted that he took some joy in the sprint race earlier in the day.
“Of course it’s very nice to be on the front line. But then, to just hold back on what we know to be a faster car, it feels like… yeah, it’s a statement and That’s great,” Ricardo said. “I’m glad that dog is inside me.
“Many people like to talk trash, so it’s a good idea to subtly give them a few middle fingers.”
That dog is definitely there.
