Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsRed Bull Racing

Podium achievable without retirement - Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo feels he missed out on a strong result in today's Belgian Grand Prix when the Australian's Red Bull was sidelined with mechanical troubles at half distance.

Ricciardo, who started in fifth position, was up to third at the end of the first lap, keeping pace with the surprisingly fast starting Force India of Sergio Perez, before Red Bull called their driver in for an early pit stop and a change to medium tyres after just seven laps.

"I joked about the new procedure but the start was actually good, " said Ricciardo. "We got the undercut over Perez but then we sort of got boxed in with Kimi and Perez got me back quite easily down the straight."

Although Daniel admittedly struggled a bit on the mediums during his second stint, conceding a position to Grosjean's very competitive Lotus, he still appeared to be on track for a strong result when the Red Bull's electrics appeared to cut out on lap 20 on the exit of the Bus Stop.

"We definitely had our sights set on a podium and put ourselves in that position at the start. It's easy to say now but I think we would have generally been in with the fight with Grosjean for the last spot on the podium. "

Click here for a gallery of the biggest crashes at Spa-Francorchamps

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.