Daniel Ricciardo secured fifth in today's qualifying session, just behind team-mate Daniil Kvyat, following a relatively consistent afternoon run, although the Australian was left only half satisfied with his day's work.
"Practice looked pretty good but to be honest all through qualifying I wasn't really that happy," Ricciardo admitted.
"We struggled to sort of find the level of grip we had this morning. In the end, to be 4th and 5th as a team isn't bad, and we can definitely race from there, but for sure we hoped for a bit better."
Ricciardo admitted that Red Bull's outlook for tomorrow's race with regard to strategy was still uncertain given Mexico's maiden status, but it would be the same for everyone.
"It's a bit unknown, I think everyone will try to go for a one-stop because it's a new track surface which is normally not too aggressive on the tyres. So I think we'll try to do a one stop but who knows if it will work."
"Starting fifth, at least on the clean side, and with a pretty long run down to the first corner, we'll have to make sure we get into the right tow."
While his motivation is intact, the Aussie confessed the day had started off on a low key with Australia's defeat by New Zealand in the rugby World Cup. "That was a bit painful, so I've got a bit of steam to let out this evening."
REPORT: Rosberg beats Hamilton to Mexican GP pole
AS IT HAPPENED: Mexican Grand Prix - Qualifying
Click here for the F1 drivers' girlfriends gallery
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Former F1 driver Brett Lunger, born on this day in 1945, is pictured here hitching…
Ralf Schumacher has once again questioned Lewis Hamilton's credentials at Ferrari, arguing that the seven-time…
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has revealed that he offered his resignation to Mercedes-Benz group…
Formula 1’s commercial surge has propelled the collective enterprise value of its 11 teams to…
Carlos Sainz insists Pirelli still has considerable work to do on its intermediate tyre which…
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur admits to feeling relieved after his sit-down in Brazil with…