F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Horner: Angry Ricciardo 'put his fist through the wall'

It was another raw deal weekend for Daniel Ricciardo, the Red Bull driver retiring early on from the US Grand Prix with a power unit issue.

The Aussie was optimistic beforehand about his chances of securing a podium finish at COTA after lining up fourth on the grid, a position he held on to for 8 laps before the gremlins crept in.

"It’s a crying shame for Daniel, I feel so sorry for him," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, speaking to Sky F1.

"It looks identical to the power unit issue he had in Bahrain where it’s just gone into complete shutdown – you could see it mid-corner.

"He was driving a strong Grand Prix and would have been right there too. It’s so frustrating for him.

"He’s taken out his frustration in his room by putting his fist through the wall which you can totally relate to."

The irony of Ricciardo's demise - rooted in the failure of an engine supplied by his future employer - wasn't lost on Horner.

"I’m sure he’ll be having a word with his future employers about it – it’s so frustrating to keep losing him from races at the moment," he added.

"He doesn’t blame the team in any way, he knows we are doing everything we can, it’s just one of those things.

"Hopefully we’ve got enough components in our [engine] pool for him not to take a penalty [in Mexico]."

For Red Bull, Ricciardo's setback was mitigated by Max Verstappen's outstanding run from P18 to second, a performance that bodes well for the Milton Keynes-based outfit in Mexico next week.

"I think both guys can be strong in Mexico. We won it well last year, a really dominant win for us [with Verstappen]," added Horner.

"At that altitude the engines can’t breathe and it brings it all closer together, and that gives us a chance.

"We’re lacking that horsepower, and this will give us a fairer chance on a Saturday, and you can see we’ve got a good race car."

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.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

21 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago