F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Violent spin and crash a setback for Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo's ambitions of shining on home turf were blown apart when the Red Bull driver was caught out by his car's reaction and subsequent crash into the barriers.

Ricciardo had embarked on his first flying lap in Q3 when his unforgiving RB13 snapped as he rounded Turn 14, sending the Aussie backwards into the barriers and inflicting damage to the rear and right corner of his car.

The mishap cost the Honey Badger a chance to fight for a spot at the upper end of the grid for his home race, leaving him to start tomorrow's race from tenth.

"It happened quickly, I could feel the rear was on the edge, it was starting to come around," he said.

"I tried to catch it but it came around. As the result of more downforce and more grip, when you lose it it's a lot more violent and aggressive – so it caught me out.

"There is still a bit to learn and don't tend to find myself in the barriers much, so it's a bit of an odd sight to see me in to the barrier.

"The cars have more grip, which makes them stick to the track more – but when it goes wrong they bite a bit harder.

"They are new beasts. I am positive about it – I like the cars."

Ricciardo said he felt bad for imposing an extra workload on his Red Bull crew. The additional labor could imply a gearbox change if damage warrants, which would in turn entail a grid penalty for the Aussie, sending at the tail end of the field.

"I created a bit more work for myself and unfortunately for the mechanics," he added.

"I feel for them, I know they have had a long weekend, tough getting cars prepared. We will turn it into a bit of aggro tomorrow and hopefully buy them a few stubbies after a better result than today."

Gallery: all the pics from Saturday's action

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

‘That was on me’ – Perez owns up to Shanghai tangle with Bottas

Last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix was barely a few corners old before the black-and-white Cadillacs…

8 hours ago

Leclerc defies peers, defends F1 new era: ‘It doesn’t feel artificial’

The 2026 Formula 1 season has touched down with the subtlety of a localized earthquake,…

10 hours ago

Norris: McLaren ‘not at level we need’ but confident of turnaround

Lando Norris was denied the chance to race in Shanghai, but the reigning world champion…

11 hours ago

A picture-perfect St. Patrick's Day!

Bring out your green, for it's St. Patrick's Day, which is the perfect excuse for…

13 hours ago

Wolff's Mercedes heritage flight for past and present stars

Once a Mercedes driver, always a Mercedes driver – and apparently always welcome aboard Toto…

13 hours ago

Very happy Gasly says Alpine now ‘in a completely different league’

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly walked away from last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix with a smile –…

14 hours ago