Thwarted Ricciardo: 'I'm done with it, let Gasly drive it!'

©WRI

It's an understandably despondent Daniel Ricciardo that will be leaving Mexico City this evening, the unwilling victim on Sunday of his eighth DNF of the season!

The Aussie has a good reason to be livid and wipe his signature smile from his face after dropping out of the Mexican Grand Prix with ten laps to go and with a P2 finish in sight.

The culprit was apparently a hydraulic failure on the poleman's RB14, his sixth mechanical failure of the year.

He didn't punch a hole in his changing room after his retirement as he did last week in Austin, but Ricciardo verbally expressed his feelings in no uncertain terms.

"Helpless, I think is the best word," said.

"Another problem with this car. It’s not been a clean weekend for so long, even today. The [practice] starts have been so good all weekend, and for the race start it’s been all over the place with the pre-start.

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“You know, honestly, now where I am, I don't see the point of coming on Sunday, I don't see the point of doing the next two races. I haven't had a clean race or weekend in so long.

"I'm not superstitious or any of this bullshit, but... the car's cursed. I don't have any more words.

"I’ll let Gasly drive it. I’m done with it."

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner obviously sympathized with his driver's wretched luck, although it's doubtful Ricciardo will want to hear it.

"It's just gutting for him because he'd driven a great race, on old tyres holding off Sebastian. But with that tell-tale sign of smoke, all we could do is retire the car."

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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.