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Frustrated Ricciardo says there was 'a bit more' in last run

Daniel Ricciardo qualified P7 for Saturday's sprint race at Silverstone, just 0.002s behind McLaren teammate Lando Norris, but the Aussie nevertheless felt that P4 was within reach.

Having accessed Q3 only once in the last five races, Ricciardo's performance on Friday was a notable improvement, not only in absolute terms but also relative to Norris who significantly outpaced his teammate in Austria's double-header.

Overall, Ricciardo was satisfied with the step forward but reckoned that he perhaps left a tenth on the table on his final Q3 run.

"I mean overall definitely a better day," the McLaren driver told Sky Sports F1. "It was better.

"I'm a litte frustrated because I feel like there was a little bit more. I think we had a bit more in the last run, and looking at the times, I think Charles [Leclerc] was maybe half a tenth in front in P4 from memory, so I feel like honestly that was achievable.

"Looking at the last few qualifyings for sure, everyone will be like, 'Oh this is a lot better', and it is, but maybe that's why I'm more frustrated because I feel like there was even more today.

"So I'm somewhat in the middle at the moment."

Read also: Ricciardo denies hot mic 'shit' comment alluded to 2022 car

This weekend's innovative format at Silverstone pilled on the pressure on teams and drivers on Friday as set-up and aero balance work for qualifying was limited to a single sixty-minute session.

But Ricciardo said that he actually enjoyed the day's tense schedule and workload.

"Today I've really enjoyed it," he commented. "I actually really liked [having] just one practice, straight into qualy.

"We had it a few times last year in Imola and I think Nürburgring because of weather and whatever, and it was cool. It kind of just makes you get on with it.

"Who knows what tomorrow is like with the practice then the Sprint Qualifying, but so far so good."

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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.