Daniel Ricciardo has hinted his frustration with Red Bull goes beyond recent disappointments in Spain and Monaco.
The Australian, who has been with the Austrian drinks company for much of his racing career, cut a forlorn figure on the podium after a woefully executed pit-stop cost him victory in Monte Carlo.
His depressed demeanour was a complete juxtaposition to the usually smiling, cheerful ‘honey badger’ but proved that behind the pearly whites Ricciardo is as determined as they come.
YouTube: Daniel Ricciardo ‘screwed’ by Red Bull pitstop at the Monaco GP
Now the 26-year-old has brought out a little more of his inner feelings with another attack on Red Bull.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Ricciardo revealed his anger at the team’s lack of competitiveness since the switch to V6 hybrid power in 2014 adding:
“I’m 27 very soon and I don’t even have anything close to a world title and I believe I should have something like that very soon.
“Two weeks now, it could have been two wins and it’s not. It’s getting a little bit long in the tooth.
“I think I took Barcelona on the chin and then took it well but two in a row now, and it’s not like we’re in Mercedes’ position, we’re not able to win a race, so to have an opportunity to lead two races in a row and especially here in Monaco.”
Indeed July’s German Grand Prix will mark his 100th race in F1 since making his debut for the HRT team at Silverstone in 2011 and in that time only glimpses of his ability have been on show.
Since joining Red Bull, replacing fellow countryman Mark Webber, many feel Ricciardo should have more to show than three race wins and a sole pole position. The man himself agrees.
“I’ve had my head held high all season,” he continued.
“Part of the frustrating thing is that I really do believe, and I’ve believed it for a long time – I don’t want to say it because it’s arrogant – but I believe a lot in my ability, let’s just say that. And I should be getting more rewarded.”
Certainly there is no doubting Ricciardo is right to have self-confidence. From his incredible qualifying record to his often overzealous overtaking, much of the basis for claims Red Bull would beat Mercedes with an equal power unit comes from Daniel’s skills behind the wheel.
But while he may be saying these comments in the heat of the moment, coming off such a bitter loss on Sunday, Ricciardo would be wise to think longer-term before making any rash decisions.
Looking at possible alternative seats only Ferrari and McLaren may be worth considering.
Even then, however, would Ricciardo be guaranteed equality alongside his former team-mate Sebastian Vettel at Maranello? And are McLaren making progress quickly enough to meet his desire for a competitive car?
Then there’s Red Bull themselves. The Tag Heuer-branded Renault power unit is making strong progress and from 2017 new rules mean aerodynamics, the team’s strongest suit, will play a more important role in determining the pecking order.
So while the champagne and a silver trophy may not have been so sweet in Monaco, a Red Bull / Ricciardo combination is still the best one going forward.
