Ricciardo unconsolable: 'The weekend's turned to crap'

40

Daniel Ricciardo was on the other opposite end of Red Bull's satisfaction spectrum, as desolate and downbeat as his winning team mate was happy.

The Aussie's race started in P16 following an engien change and subsequent grid penalty but Ricciardo charged into the top 10 from the get go.

Unfortunately, his impressive start was cut short after just a handful of laps following what appeared to be a turbo failure.

"Obviously the weekend’s turned to crap," Ricciardo told NBC.

"I did what I could at the start – it was pretty close, there was a bit going on – but I made quick progress.

"I told Helmut [Marko] this morning that I’d get up to seventh by the end of the first lap. I was a couple of laps off I think, but we got close.

Hamilton crowned champion as Verstappen wins in Mexico

"We put the new unit in, but something went wrong. Not really sure what it was or where that puts us for Brazil."

It was an apocalyptic weekend on the power unit front for Renault with several failures on Friday and Saturday, and Toro Rosso's Brendon Hartley and works driver Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz all hit by mechanical failures on Sunday.

Whether the issues were linked to Mexico City's specific high altitude environment remains to be seen however.

"Certainly something fundamental going on", said the Aussie.

"We’ve been coming to Mexico the past few years so there shouldn’t be any surprises, I know the altitude and temperatures have been hard to stay on top of this weekend.

"I don’t know if it’s this year’s spec of engine which is struggling up here – obviously it is, but why we’re not sure.

"So it’s been a pretty grim weekend for a few of us, it’s a shame to be out early again, so I guess it’s a bit of what Max experienced early in the year, yeah, it’s not so fun."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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.