Daniel Ricciardo sees positives as McLaren apologises for Saudi engine failure
Daniel Ricciardo says he can see the positives from the Saudi Arabian grand prix despite retiring from the race after an engine failure.
Daniel Ricciardo before the Saudi Arabian grand prix. (McLaren Racing)
McLaren has faced struggles with adapting to the new regulations for 2022, with fears the team would be uncompetitive after Ricciardo and Norris finished fourteenth and fifteenth respectively.
Both McLaren drivers were running in the top ten in Saudi Arabia when Ricciardo retired, with teammate Lando Norris eventually finishing seventh.
"The end result was obviously not what I wanted, but this weekend was more promising and we performed better on this track," said Ricciardo.
"We’re still not where we want to be, but this was a small step in the right direction."
"Without the issue that ended my race we could’ve had both cars finishing in the points."
"We've still got a lot to improve but we’re in a better place than Bahrain."
The team has apologised to Ricciardo for the engine failure, with Team Principal Andreas Seidl sanguine about McLaren's results in Jeddah.
“P7 today. Six points. We’ll take that," said Seidl.
"Starting P11 and P14, our target was to stay in the race, make good strategic decisions and get back into the top 10 with Lando and Daniel, who did a great job all weekend of maximising the package we have at the moment."
"The entire team worked very hard to achieve that."
Seidl also thanked engine manufacturers Mercedes HPP, as Norris was the second-highest finishing driver with a Mercedes engine after George Russell in fifth.
"Thanks to everyone at the track, back in the factory, and our colleagues at Mercedes HPP, for a huge effort this week."
"P7 was a good result for Lando, and the reward everyone deserved."
"Special mention for our pit-crew who did two excellent stops again today."
"We also have to apologise to Daniel."
"Without his mechanical failure we would have had both cars home in the points."
"We’ll analyse the exact cause of his DNF when we’re home."
The Formula 1 season resumes 8-10 April for the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
