F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ricciardo's weekend goes from bad to worse after quali failure

Daniel Ricciardo's Sunday afternoon of racing went from a difficult race to a huge uphill battle after the Red Bull driver retired from qualifying with suspected turbo failure.

The Aussie was fastest in the first batch of runs in Q1 but grinded to a halt on Wellington Straight, bringing out the red flags in the process.

All signs appeared to point to a turbor failure on the RB13's Renault engine, sustaining the team's reliability worries following Max Verstappen's recent engine woes.

"It isn’t sure yet, but it’s suspected," explained Ricciardo.

"It sounded a little bit sick, that was the first thing. I lost a bit of power and then I heard some weird turbo noises.

"I thought I could make it back to the pits but then everything went off. Definitely a big failure of some sort and we couldn’t stay for the session, so disappointing."

Given his decent speed early on in qualifying, Ricciardo was obviously disappointed to be sidelined.

"We know these conditions could’ve given us a bit more opportunity. We were quick at the beginning there," says Ricciardo.

"Obviously tomorrow is another day, I’m just disappointed not to have shown more of what we could do in qualifying.

"But yeah, tomorrow is where the points are. We have some work ahead of us to get back into them but until we can it is what it is. 

"I thought five grid places was bad but we’re definitely at the back now. Well, Alonso’s starting at like Stowe now."

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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.

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