Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren Formula 1 driver, had one of the best races with the team at United States Grand Prix. However, he believes he could perform better thant his with his McLaren’s car.
Last year, Ricciardo switched from Renault to McLaren. He found himself in difficult waters adjusting to the new team and car, and had to put extra-ordinary efforts to turn the tide in his favor.
The Australian has adjusted and found comfort with his MCL35M. Additionally, his efforts bear fruit at Italian Grand Prix where he shocked everyone. Lando Norris was unable to beat his team mate, the Honey Badger.
Nonetheless, his performance at Texas, Circuit of the Americas, has been the most strongest of the season. Ricciardo qualified sixth and finished fifth, while Norris stood at eighth position.
During the race, Ricciardo gained on Ferrari’s driver, Carlos Sainz Jr. and defended against Valterri Bottas through-out the race. Post-race, he vowed to improve his performance while minimizing mistakes.
Read More: Sainz says “Sochi is my best so far with Ferrari”
“Yes, it definitely was a better weekend. It was a smoother weekend but there are still definitely moments in the weekend where I am still. ‘I know I can do better, I still make a few mistakes’,” Ricciardo told Sky Sports F1.
“I am not always getting on top of the car, but it is coming and it is still going to take a bit of time.”
Seidl on Ricciardo perfrmance
Andreas Seidl, McLaren team principal, appreciated Ricciardo’s performance. He believes Moza victory provided boost to his performance.
“It was definitely a very strong weekend from Daniel, and I think it is fair to say, together with Monza, probably his strongest weekend with us,” said Seidl.
“Maybe it’s even fair to say it was his best weekend with us so far on a track that has a lot of different corner types as well, so I’m very happy with what he could pull off this weekend.
“It was also a great performance on his side to keep Carlos behind the entire race, being under massive pressure, so I’m happy with that.”
Seidl also pointed out to the areas where Ricciardo has the room to improve.
“He’s saying himself; I don’t think he’s fully comfortable yet with our car in any condition or track layout or situation,” Seidl explained.
“With him now spending more and more time in our car, spending more and more time doing laps, I think it’s just natural that there will still come more from his side, which is obviously encouraging.
“At the same time, it was a great weekend from his side here in Austin and a very strong drive in the race, which shows why we wanted to get him on board.”
